Chumbawumba
Growing up in an urban area with divorced parents, my childhood was marked by the challenges of financial hardship. Raised by my hardworking single mother, who dedicated herself to providing for our family, I witnessed her tireless efforts as she balanced multiple jobs and often returned home late in the evening, her hands weary and eyes heavy with fatigue. Despite our struggles, she always ensured that I felt cherished and supported.
Money was always a concern. I can still recall the anxiety that accompanied each bill arriving in the mail and the sacrifices my mother made to guarantee we had our necessities. Her unwavering strength was nothing short of remarkable, yet I couldn't help but envision a future where financial worries were a thing of the past. I made a silent promise to myself to pave a way towards securing our tomorrows.
During my high school years, I uncovered an aptitude for numbers. Encouraged by my maths teacher, Mr. Cheslett, who recognized my potential, I delved into the realm of finance. His words often echoed those from Good Will Hunting; "Real loss is only felt when you've loved something more than yourself " His words really struck a chord with me, inspiring me to work even harder to improve my family's financial situation.
After completing my studies, I was fortunate enough to earn a scholarship to a nearby college where I chose to study finance. The road ahead was tough, but I was motivated by a promise I had made to my mother. That her sacrifices would not be in vain. One day, I was introduced to a stock market trader named W.D. Gann. His techniques appeared intricate and almost magical, capturing my interest.
I delved into Gann's strategies, dedicating numerous hours unraveling his concepts of market cycles, angles and time cycles. It wasn't straightforward; there were moments of frustration and uncertainty. However, one quote from The Pursuit of Happyness stuck with me; "Don’t ever let someone tell you, you can’t do something. Not even me. All right? You got a dream, you gotta protect it."
With that mindset ingrained in me, I persisted. I began implementing Gann's methods on small investments, testing and refining my approaches. Gradually but steadily, I started witnessing positive outcomes. My investment portfolio expanded along with my self assurance. Sharing my progress with my mother filled her with pride and relief.
Over the years, my financial situation gradually got better. I kept studying and implementing Gann's strategies, broadening my investments and spreading out my portfolio. I also took on a role as a financial analyst, enhancing my knowledge and skills even more. The financial stability I had always hoped for was starting to materialize. I had started to mastered a methodology that guaranteed financial security for the future but more importantly, I had grasped the importance of persistence, dedication and the strength of aspirations.
As we sat side by side watching the sun dip below the horizon, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude. My mother's sacrifices, Mr. Cheslett's support and Gann's teachings had all played integral roles in our shared narrative.
I was aware that there would still be obstacles in the future, but I felt prepared to confront them, armed with the wisdom and strength I had acquired.
Ultimately, it wasn't solely about the financial aspect. It encompassed the entire experience—the valuable lessons absorbed and the unwavering belief that anything is achievable if one dares to envision it and puts in relentless effort to make it a reality. With the iconic words from Dead Poets Society resonating in my thoughts, "Seize the day. Make your lives extraordinary," I sensed that we had indeed accomplished just that.
