Every writer has their own story of ups and downs, of gloom and bloom, of laughter and silence, of tears and smiles, and of how they became a writer, each narrative unique in its own right. My journey as a writer is a story waiting to be told, one filled with significant moments that deserve recognition. Reflecting on the words of Amanda Gorman, author of “The Hill We Climb,” where she said, “There is always light. If only we are brave enough to see it. If only we are brave enough to be it,” I am compelled to share how the writer within me emerged.
In 2021, I wasn’t a writer, unaware of the concept of creative writing; all I knew was that we read novels in school. It wasn’t until I joined the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN) in November 2021 that my journey began.
My involvement with MSSN started when I represented my school, Al-Mishkat Academy Jalingo, in the English Debate Category at the Jalingo Area Council level of the Quiz and Essay Competition, held at Nurul Islam School Jalingo. Despite my efforts, victory eluded me, but it was during this event that I first encountered MSSN.
My school appointed me as the MSSN Deputy Secretary while I was in SS 1. Fortunately, I was invited, along with other officials, to attend an MSSN Forum of Umara, where leaders of all MSSN branches in Jalingo gathered to discuss issues and find solutions. Witnessing the eloquence of their secretary, Al-Ash’ariyu Muhammad Aliy, inspired me to aspire to a similar position. After undergoing the forum’s official screening, I was appointed as the secretary general. At that time, my command of English left much to be desired, but I embarked on a journey to improve, immersing myself in books and English movies, inspired by Maya Angelou’s words: “You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.”
Amidst the pressures of my role as forum secretary, I encountered a spoken word by Maryam Bukar (Alhan Islam), which inspired me to incorporate certain expressions into our meetings. Mal. Safiyanu Yahuza provided invaluable support and introduced me to writing. Intrigued, I began to express my emotions, focusing solely on letting my heart flow. Under Safiyanu’s guidance, I learned new words, started writing poetry, and made my first submissions in May 2022.
I submitted my work to World Voices Magazine for their monthly online writing contest for the first time. Despite facing rejection, I persevered and submitted another piece, winning third place and a prize of N5,000. This experience, along with others, has been a driving force in my writing journey.
Through consistent effort and networking, I found myself among international writers, notably in India, participating in anthologies and receiving recognition. In Nigeria, I won second place in the Dar Al Andalus Essay Competition, earning N30,000. These achievements reinforced my belief in self-discovery and the supportive environment of MSSN, driving me to push boundaries. As Helen Keller said, “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.”
In 2023, I achieved another milestone by winning first prize for non-fiction at HIASFEST in Minna, Nigeria, highlighting the power of dedication and self-belief.
Despite facing rejection, magazines like World Voices Magazine have motivated me to persist. In March 2023, my essay was finally published, reinforcing my resolve to continue writing, as Albert Einstein wisely said, “Intellectual growth should commence at birth and cease only at death.”
Mentors like Salim Yakubu Akko, author of “Into Ashes,” and Yahuza Bawage have played crucial roles in my growth as a writer, providing guidance and support.
In conclusion, I owe my journey as a writer to MSSN, the Hill-Top Creative Arts Foundation, and the motivation provided by publications like World Voices Magazine. Co-authoring international anthologies and publishing my poetry chapbook, “Let Me Grieve,” in 2023, I look back at this journey with gratitude. It’s a journey filled with wonder, excitement, and productivity, rejuvenating my spirit during moments of doubt.
Yahuza Usman, also known as Crawling Writer, is a Hafiz, typist, graphic designer, versatile creative—poet, spoken word artist, writer, essayist, and transcriber. He serves as the Secretary of the Taraba Hill-Top Creative Arts Foundation, affiliated with Al-Mishkat Academy in Jalingo, Taraba State. Yahuza is also the co-author of the book Let Me Grieve.
