Despite frequenting the University of Lagos (UNILAG) clinic and doing most of her examinations there due to sickle crisis, Joy Omowunmi Sanni didn’t let her health discourage her from achieving success.
The young lady was recently celebrated on social media for bagging a first class degree in Cell Biology and Genetics.
Sanni’s biggest motivation
Sharing her inspiring story with Muse.ng, Sanni disclosed that what kept her going was her determination to make her family proud because of their sacrifice for her.
In her words: “My biggest motivation is my family. That is, my mum and sisters. I wanted to make them proud of me.”
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Sanni said she and her family had been through a lot, adding that she had seen them cry with her when she was in pain.
In her words: “We’ve all been through a lot. I have seen them cry with me when I’m in pain. They have also gone out of their way financially to make sure I don’t suffer or lack my special needs as the only child with sickle cell in the family.
“I just wanted their efforts to pay off and I wanted to see them smile in the long run. So I was determined to come out with an excellent result.”
She disclosed that she had to change her course of study from Biochemistry to Cell Biology and Genetics due to the stress of the latter.
In her words: “I studied Biochemistry first before changing to Cell Biology and Genetics in my second year.
“Biochemistry was stressful as the lectures were held at a college in a distant location from my hostel.
“So I changed to the department of Cell Biology and Genetics which was closer and also aligned with my area of interest. And I graduated from the department of Cell Biology and Genetics.”
What sickle cell has robbed her of
The Oyo State indigene said sickle cell has robbed her of a lot of things while growing up.
In her words: “I knew I was different and I couldn’t engage in a lot of activities that my peers will normally do.
“I had to stay away from sports, camping with classmates in school and church, including staying away from certain leadership positions in my school that could possibly come with a lot of stress.
The first class graduate has called on the Nigerian government to do more for people living with sickle cell in the country.
Sanni doesn’t shun social life
Despite being an introvert and having a few friends, the young lady said she enjoys spending time with her loved ones.
According to Sanni, she hangs out sometimes with friends and family and loves taking pictures.
She said: “However, I’m very selective with the social events I attend. I don’t like large gatherings.
Sanni’s next plan is to go for her masters in the United Kingdom or the United States and she’s hoping for scholarship opportunities.
