I’m not going to apologize for my passion.
You don’t get to decide what I should do,
focus on and live for. Your opinion doesn’t
matter because this is my life, and I’m in
charge.

I’m not going to apologize for my creativity.
You may not understand it, but you don’t
need to condemn it. It is an artistic talent
that develops naturally, and my expressions
bring them to life.

I’m not going to apologize for my resilience.
You may be tired of trying, but I will
never give up. I believe there’s
more for me, and I will keep pushing
and fighting for everything I want.

I’m not going to apologize for my presence.
You don’t have to like it, but you don’t
have a choice than to embrace it.
I will not shrink or hide to let you reign.
I am here to ignite, inspire and motivate.

Mariam Shittu