By Jessica N. Wesseh
“One day, you will either thank yourself or ask yourself, ‘Why I never started sooner?” With this thought in mind. I know time won’t always be in my favor like you.
My sister, let me ask you something.
Have you ever looked at one older girl, maybe in college, running her own business, or confidently speaking in front of people and wondered, “How did she reached there?”
The truth is, it didn’t happen overnight.
She started with small habits while she was still a regular schoolgirl, probably sitting in a classroom just like you at William V. S. Tubman High School, G. W. Gibson, St. Teresa’s, or any other high school across Liberia. Those little choices she made every day slowly became the woman she is today.
Sometimes we think success begins after WAEC, after graduation, or after getting a job. But the truth is, it starts now. It is not later.
As Liberian girls, many of us face different challenges. Some of us help sell in the market after school. Some rush home to cook before opening our copybooks. Others are raising younger siblings while trying to keep our grades up. Some are even fighting pressure from friends, relationships, or social media.
Life is not always easy and I understand because I’ve been there.
But there are habits you can build today that your future self will be grateful for.
1. Make Learning Your Friend
School can be tiring. We all have those days when Mathematics feels like punishment or Literature gives us plenty of reading.
But don’t study only because the teacher says so.
Study because knowledge is something nobody can steal from you.
Even if MOCK or WASSCE feels far away, read your notes a little every day instead of waiting until the last minute. Read beyond your textbooks too. Borrow books from friends, visit the library if you can, or read educational articles online whenever you have access to the internet.
Your future self will smile because of the knowledge you invested in today.
2. Save Small, Even If It Looks Funny
Maybe your parents give you $L100 or $L200 as recess.
Maybe your auntie sends small mobile money.
Maybe you braid hair, sell cold water, or help in your mother’s business.
Instead of spending every cent on snacks, try putting aside even a little.
It may seem too small to matter now, but one day that money could help you buy school materials, register for an opportunity, or even start a small business.
Small savings can grow into big opportunities.
3. Choose Friends Who Want Better for You
Not everybody who laughs with you is helping you.
Some friends encourage you to study.
Others only call when they want to gossip, skip class, or follow boys.
Real friends celebrate your success instead of feeling jealous when you pass your exams or become a prefect.
Protect your peace by choosing people who help you become better.
4. Don’t Let Social Media Raise You
TikTok is fun.
Facebook is entertaining.
Instagram has beautiful pictures.
But remember that not everything you see online might not be real.
Don’t compare your life with someone else’s highlight reel.
Instead of scrolling for three hours every evening, use some of that time to learn a new skill, read, pray, write, or help yourself grow.
Your future self will appreciate the balance.
5. Learn One Skill Outside School
Grades are important, but skills also open doors.
Maybe you can learn:
Graphic design
Hairdressing
Baking
Photography
Public speaking
Writing
Sewing
Video editing
Makeup artistry
Computer skills
You don’t have to know everything.
Just start somewhere.
Many successful people began learning while they were still students.
6. Respect Yourself Enough to Say “No”
As teenage girls, we sometimes face pressure.
Someone may tell you, “If you love me, prove it.”
Another person may laugh because you’re not following what everybody else is doing.
Remember this:
“No” is a complete sentence.
Never feel forced to do something that goes against your values, your dreams, or your safety.
Protecting yourself is never old-fashioned.
It’s wisdom.
7. Take Care of Your Health
Drink water.
Sleep well when you can.
Eat fruits whenever they’re available.
Keep yourself clean.
Take your mental health seriously too.
If something is bothering you, don’t carry it alone. Talk to someone you trust, a parent, teacher, school counselor, older sister, pastor, youth leader, or another responsible adult.
A healthy girl has a better chance of achieving her dreams.
8. Build Your Relationship with God
Life can become confusing.
Exams.
Family problems.
Friendship drama.
Broken trust.
Fear about the future.
Having God in your life gives you strength when everything else feels uncertain.
Pray.
Read your Bible.
Trust Him with your plans.
Your future self will thank you for building a foundation that cannot be shaken.
9. Believe That Your Story Can Be Different
Maybe you come from a struggling home.
Maybe people have already decided what they think your future will look like.
Don’t let other people’s opinions become your limits.
You are more than your background.
More than your neighborhood.
More than your family’s income.
Your dreams are still valid.
My sister, don’t wait until you’re twenty-five to wish you had started at sixteen.
Don’t wait until graduation to become serious.
Don’t wait until everyone believes in you before believing in yourself.
The little habits you practice today are quietly building the woman you will become tomorrow.
So study that extra page.
Save that small money.
Pray that prayer.
Read that book.
Walk away from bad company.
Choose yourself.
Years from now, when you look back, you’ll smile and say, “I’m glad I started when I did.”
Because the future you’re praying for is being built by the habits you choose today.
