Steem4nigeria Accelerator Contest Week 98: "My voice, My story"

Hi steemit fam 💜

My Voice, My Story
By a 19-year-old girl who finally found the courage to be heard

Introduction

There are voices that command attention, and there are voices that whisper in the background timid, unsure, and often unheard. For a long time, I lived in the background. I was that girl the one who watched, listened, smiled politely, but rarely said what was really on her mind.

Not because I had nothing to say, but because I didn’t think anyone would listen.

But this is me, standing on my own little stage, typing these words with fingers that once trembled at the thought of being vulnerable. This is not just a story it is my story. One about finding courage, embracing truth, and choosing to speak up, even when it’s hard.

I Used to Be the Quiet Girl

Growing up, I was praised for being “well-behaved,” “humble,” and “respectful.” But what many didn’t know was that behind that quietness was a lot of unsaid feelings. I often swallowed my opinions, avoided arguments, and did everything I could to not “cause trouble.”

In school, I sat at the back, not because I didn’t want to learn, but because I didn’t want to draw attention to myself. I was afraid of saying the wrong thing. Afraid of people laughing. Afraid of being misunderstood.

It’s funny how you can be surrounded by people and still feel invisible.

The Notebook That Saved Me

While I couldn’t always speak my truth out loud, I found another way I started writing. At first, it was little things: poems, pretend letters to no one, dreams I was too shy to say out loud. Writing became my escape, my safe zone.

On paper, I was fearless.

I could be angry, joyful, silly, sad I could be me. My pen became my voice when my mouth failed me. Looking back now, I think that was where my real voice began to grow: in quiet scribbles under classroom desks and in secret journals nobody ever saw.

When Everything Shifted

Things didn’t magically change overnight. But I remember one night one of those hard nights where everything just feels heavy. I was sitting on the floor of my room, tears streaming down my face, wondering if I’d ever feel like enough.

I had spent so long trying to be pleasing, perfect, polite. And yet, I still felt lost. Small. Unheard.

That night, I cried in a way I hadn’t allowed myself to before. Not quietly. Not hidden. I cried like I was finally releasing every piece of myself that I had kept bottled up.

That was the turning point.

That was the night I promised myself: no more silence out of fear.

Learning to Speak Up

The first time I truly spoke up for myself, my voice shook. My palms were sweaty. I was terrified. But I did it. I said what needed to be said. And afterward, even though my heart was racing, I felt a freedom I can’t explain.

Each small moment after that saying no when I needed to, expressing my thoughts without apology, sharing my writing with others built something in me. Confidence. Strength. Identity.

Bit by bit, I stopped editing myself to fit what others expected.

I learned that I could be kind and bold. Respectful and honest. Quiet and powerful.

This Is What My Voice Sounds Like

My voice isn’t the loudest in the room, and it doesn’t need to be. It’s the kind that’s gentle but firm, thoughtful but passionate. It’s a voice that has been shaped by silence, by fear, by growth and now, by truth.

As a Nigerian girl, I’ve often been told to keep my opinions to myself. That too much boldness makes a girl “too much.” But I’ve realized, the world doesn’t get to define my “too much.” That’s my call.

So now, I speak up not just for myself, but for every other girl who’s been told to shrink herself to fit into boxes that were never meant for her.

We were not made to be small.

Writing Became My Weapon and My Healing

What started as a personal outlet is now something I’m proud to share. My writing is how I reclaim my space, how I tell the world: I exist, and I matter.

That’s why I’m here on Steemit writing, connecting, learning. This platform has given me the freedom to be unapologetically me. I get to tell my stories the way I lived them. Raw. Real. Beautiful in all their imperfections.

To Every Girl Who’s Still Afraid to Speak

I see you. I know what it’s like to feel like your voice doesn’t matter. But I promise you it does. You don’t have to have it all figured out. You don’t need to be the most eloquent or the most confident. You just have to start.

Speak, even if your voice shakes. Write, even if your hands tremble. Share, even if your heart pounds in fear.

Because your story? It’s powerful. It’s necessary. It’s yours.

Conclusion: This is Me, Unmuted

I’m no longer the girl who hides in silence. I’m the girl who found her voice and decided never to let it go quiet again.

My voice is not perfect, but it is mine. It carries every emotion, every lesson, every scar and every hope I’ve lived through. And now, I use it to uplift, inspire, and simply be heard.

So here I am, saying it loud:

✨ My voice. My story. And I’m just getting started. ✨

Thank you for reading. If you’ve ever felt voiceless, I’d love to hear your story too. Drop a comment, share your thoughts, and let’s grow together. ❤️

Inviting my friends. @kwinberry @peachyladiva @promisezella @imohmitchel