HOW I OVERCAME I Didn’t Allow Disability, Rejection To Stop Me

Mrs Joy Bolarin’s story is a heart-wrenching tale of resilience and determination. Her journey is a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

As she stood before the interview panel, her heart brimming with hope and anticipation, little did she know that her dreams were about to be shattered.

Despite doing well in the written and oral interviews, she was rejected, not because of her qualifications or competence, but because of her physical disability. The words “disability will be of disadvantage” scribbled on her file in red pen still echo in her mind, a painful reminder of the rejection she faced.

In an interview with LEADERSHIP, she recalled, “I did the written interview, and I passed very well and was shortlisted for a physical appearance. I went there with joy because I was confident in my ability to deliver on the job.

“In the physical interview, I was asked questions which I responded to intelligently. But when it was time to conclude the interview, the interviewer began to give excuses.

The interviewer said, “I know you passed both the written and oral interviews, but you only have one year of experience, to which I replied, “Madam, if you don’t allow me to work, where will I gather more years of experience?”

But Bolarin refused to let her disability define her. She chose not to be defeated, not to be silenced. Instead, she channelled her pain and frustration into something beautiful. She decided to create her own path, to forge her own way. And so, she established her own school, providing opportunities for others and proving to herself and the world that she was more than capable.

Bolarin said that because she wasn’t satisfied with the excuse of not having enough years of experience, she then sought to have an audience with the school owner.

“I went to the secretary and said I wanted to talk to the owner of the school, and the secretary gave me access, and I explained my ordeal to her.

“It was then that the owner of the school called for my file, and I used the opportunity, because I am always vigilant, to check what was written inside my file that was denying me the job.

“I was shocked to see ‘disability will be of disadvantage’ with a red pen written on my file, but they were telling me another thing, that it was because of years of experience,” she said.

Her story is a powerful reminder that our greatest strengths often emerge from our deepest struggles. Bolarin’s determination and perseverance are a beacon of hope for anyone who has ever faced rejection or adversity. Her journey teaches us that with the right mindset, support, and opportunities, people with disabilities can thrive and excel in any sphere they choose.