MY DREAMS , MY FEARS

My Dreams, My Fears

A True Story of Struggles, Survival, and the Courage to Rise Above Poverty and Fear. By Paul

Table of Contents

1. Foreword

2. Introduction

3. Chapter One: Humble Beginnings

4. Chapter Two: College Dreams and Daily Struggles

5. Chapter Three: Rejections, Tears, and Hope

6. Chapter Four: Turning Point

7. Chapter Five: Climbing Higher

8. Chapter Six: From Job Seeker to Professional

9. Chapter Seven: Dreams Beyond Fear

10. Final Word: Fear is a Choice

11. Acknowledgments

12. Dedication

13. About the Author

Foreword

Fear and courage walk hand in hand in the story of every dreamer. In this moving account, Paul invites us to witness how perseverance can outshine poverty and fear. This book is a beacon for anyone who dares to dream big despite the odds.

Introduction

Every great dream begins with a dreamer—but every dreamer also hears the whisper of fear. Fear is the silent voice that tells you you're not enough. It questions your potential, mocks your ambition, and shrouds your future in doubt. It doesn’t knock on the door; it creeps in quietly, settling in your thoughts, turning hope into hesitation.

But just as fear has a voice, so does courage. And courage is the louder voice—even when it trembles. It tells you to keep moving, to wake up early and walk to school barefoot if that’s what it takes. It tells you to sell biscuits in the traffic and read by candlelight when others sleep. Courage isn't always grand; sometimes it’s just refusing to give up.

Dreams are seeds planted in the heart. They don’t die from hardship—they wither from neglect, from silence, from fear that says, “What if I fail?”

This book is not just about my past. It’s about your possibility. It’s about how the mind holds gifts, how our struggles shape us, and how the future can still belong to the one who dares to dream despite fear.

If you’ve ever been told you're not enough, that your dreams are too big, that your situation is too hard—then this story is for you.

This is a story of falling and rising, of crying and hoping, of failing and still choosing to try again.

This is not just my journey. This is your story too.

 Chapter One: Humble Beginnings

I, Paul, was born in a family of eight—the fourth child and second son of that great family. I went to primary school with fear in my heart, unsure of what the future held. As a poor boy, I always received several strokes of the cane before I could submit any schoolwork. I was always late due to the long distance I had to walk each day.

I understood that my father didn't have enough. Often, he would ask me, "Paul, what would you like to become when you grow up?" I’d reply, "A doctor, a scientist, or an accountant." He would say, "Wouldn't you like to be a good mechanic or a good carpenter?" I always replied, "No, Daddy. I want to be an accountant." He would smile and say, "When you grow up," and end the conversation.

Chapter Two:

College Dreams and Daily Struggles

In 1990, I passed my entrance examination to go into college. It was the sweetest joy of my childhood. My father was advised to let me go into an apprenticeship as a mechanic, but I rejected it on two occasions due to financial challenges. So, I began following friends to hawk in traffic to support my school—no easy task for an eleven-year-old boy.

There was no joy in my college days. I had to support myself with hawking and got home late at night, sometimes by 10 p.m., walking long distances. At the end of my college journey, I was again told to join an apprenticeship because there was no money for university. Coming from a low-income family, I made up my mind that I must support myself to get a degree. Yet fear gripped me: how would I raise the money?

I became more reserved and made no friends, just to remain focused.

 

 

Chapter Three: Rejections, Tears, and Hope

I sat for the West African Examination and made only three credits in Mathematics, Biology, and Economics, and a pass in English. But all universities required five credits including English and Mathematics. I showed my father the result, but he said nothing.

I tried registering for GCE but had no money. So, I joined another boy hawking biscuits and sachet water to raise funds for extra classes. Eventually, I achieved the five credits I needed.

I made it clear that I wanted to go to university, but it became obvious it might not be possible. My father was a security guard with a very low income. I pressed further, but the answer was still no. I went to Lagos and found a job at Dangote Flour Mill. I saved and used the money to sit for the entrance exam. I gained admission to the University of Ilorin in 1998.

After paying the fees with my savings, I came back home after four months due to lack of support. I cried bitterly. That was the end. My friends, from wealthier homes, were already in their second year. I felt bitter, frustrated, and cried for days.

I joined the ATS of ICAN (Accounting Technician Scheme). During a Financial Accounting class, a clerk came in, and shortly after, five school authorities walked in. They read out the names of those owing school fees. I was among them. They took our bags.

I walked three hours home that day. I told no one what happened. I laid down, face down, and cried myself to sleep.

Chapter Four: Turning Point

One day, I met a friend who told me about part-time school at Lagos State Polytechnic. I was afraid to even inquire, but he encouraged me to go and purchase the form. I bought the part-time form, filled it, and submitted it. Weeks later, the names were out. I checked and found my name — number 196 in Accounting.

Joy and tears mixed in my heart.

Weeks later, I paid my school fees and started the course in accounting. When my father heard through my elder sister, he called me and gave me back part of the money, which I then used for textbooks and handouts. From there, he started supporting me.

I did all kinds of work to ensure I paid my fees. After two years, I graduated with a 2nd Class National Diploma in Accounting.

Chapter Five: Climbing Higher

After receiving my OND certificate, I started looking for a job but found none. I went into teaching and continued my education by enrolling in the Higher National Diploma (HND) program, which is equivalent to a degree.

I faced new academic and financial challenges but remained focused. I worked part-time and saved every kobo I could to pay my fees and buy study materials.

Upon completing my HND, I was offered a banking job at PHB Bank (now Keystone Bank). This job was a turning point in my life.

I continued my education by enrolling in the University of Ilorin for a Postgraduate Diploma (PGD), which I completed successfully.

I also enrolled in the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) to further my professional qualifications.

All my money went into education and self-improvement.

Today, I am proud to say that I was the first in my family to obtain a university degree and a master’s degree.

Chapter Six: From Job Seeker to Professional

After securing my HND, I transitioned from job seeker to professional accountant.

I worked in many firms and served as an internal auditor for several restaurants and hospitality companies.

I continued studying, earning my postgraduate diploma and professional accounting certification.

My dedication and perseverance paid off, and I carved out a career I am proud of.

I am married with children, and my dreams continue to grow beyond my fears.

Chapter Seven: Dreams Beyond Fear

Looking back now, I see clearly how fear once ruled my world. It was like a shadow that followed me everywhere, whispering doubts and weaving barriers around my dreams. But as I grew, I realized that fear is not an enemy to be avoided—it is a challenge to be faced and overcome.

The dreams I held onto were bigger than the fears that tried to hold me back. Each failure, each disappointment, was a lesson pushing me forward. Fear lost its power when I chose action over hesitation.

Today, I no longer see the future as a threat but as a canvas of possibilities. I understand that fear will visit from time to time, but it will never control me again.

I have learned to welcome fear as a sign that I am stepping out of my comfort zone, growing and evolving. Fear is simply the mind’s way of preparing you for something new.

My dreams are no longer distant hopes but plans in progress. I work every day to build a legacy that will inspire my children and others who dare to dream despite obstacles.

The power to succeed lies not in avoiding fear but in moving forward anyway—with courage, determination, and faith.

If you are reading this, know that your dreams matter. Your fears do not define you. You are stronger than any challenge you face.

Rise up. Face the fear. Dream boldly.

The future is yours to create.

Final Word: Fear is a Choice

Fear is a powerful force. It can paralyze, silence, and confine you — or it can be a spark that lights the fire of determination within you.

Fear often feels like an uninvited guest, arriving without warning, whispering lies that tell you, “You are not good enough,” or “You will never succeed.” But here is the truth:

References

Sparrow, Greg. (2000). Gift Hands: The Ben Carson Story. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing. This autobiography tells the inspiring life story of Dr. Ben Carson, from a challenging childhood to becoming a world-renowned neurosurgeon. It highlights themes of perseverance, faith, and courage in the face of adversity—concepts that influenced the mindset behind this book.

Author’s Personal Experiences and Reflections. (2025). My Dreams, My Fears [Unpublished manuscript].The content and narrative of this book are deeply rooted in the author’s own life journey, struggles, and triumphs.

Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN). ND.). Professional guidelines, syllabi, and study materials used during the author’s certification process. ICAN is a recognized professional body that sets standards for accounting education and certification in Nigeria.

Various Faith-Based and Motivational Teachings. (ND.). Collected works and sermons that have inspired resilience, courage, and hope. These spiritual and motivational sources provided strength during difficult times and are a foundational influence on the themes of overcoming fear in this work.

Fear is a choice.

You may not always control when fear comes knocking, but you always have the power to decide how you respond.

You can choose to listen to fear, let it hold you back, and let it steal your dreams.

Or you can choose to stand up, to acknowledge fear, but not let it rule your decisions.

Your dreams deserve that courage.

The journey I’ve shared in this book is proof that fear will never disappear entirely — but when you refuse to let it stop you, fear loses its grip.

You can do all things if you believe in yourself, persevere through struggles, and keep pushing forward.

Your future is not a shadow cast by fear — it’s a sunrise waiting to be welcomed.

So, when fear tries to speak, answer with courage. Fuel your dreams with action. Let faith be louder than doubt.

Fear is real, but it is not undefeatable.

Dreams are real, and they are unstoppable when you dare to chase them.

Acknowledgments

To my late father, Canice Anyanwu—your memory strengthens my resolve.

To every silent cheerleader, friend, or stranger who encouraged me—you may never know what your words meant to me.

To my family—thank you for enduring the journey with me.

Dedication

To all dreamers who struggle with fear but choose courage every day.

About the Author

Paul Anyanwu is an inspiring example of resilience, determination, and the power of dreams. Born into a humble family, Paul faced numerous challenges from an early age—poverty, limited access to education, and the ever-present whispers of doubt and fear. Yet, through sheer willpower and unwavering focus, and by the grace of God Almighty, he overcame these obstacles to build a successful career as a professional accountant and a passionate storyteller.

Paul’s journey from hawking on busy streets to earning a university degree, professional certifications, and a respected position in the corporate world is a testament to his relentless pursuit of excellence. Along the way, he has learned that true success is not measured solely by titles or money, but by the courage to rise each time life knocks you down.

Beyond his professional achievements, Paul is deeply committed to inspiring others. He believes that every individual carries within them the seeds of greatness—often overshadowed by fear and doubt—and that with encouragement, education, and persistence, anyone can transform their life. His writing, speeches, and mentorship programs focus on helping people unlock their potential, embrace their dreams, and conquer the fears that hold them back.

Paul lives with his family and continues to write stories of hope, courage, and transformation. Through his work, he honors the memory of his late father, Canice Anyanwu, whose spirit and lessons remain a guiding force in his life.

Above all, Paul gives thanks to God Almighty, whose unfailing love, strength, and guidance have sustained him through every challenge and triumph. When he is not writing or working, Paul enjoys reading, community volunteering, and spending quality time with his loved ones. His mission is simple yet powerful: to help others see that their dreams are valid, their fears conquerable, and their future bright.