Silo’s Testimony… A Girl Who Refused To Give Up

I remember being shattered the day I was taken from school, brought home only to find out that…

my mum was gone!!!!

Ohhh noo not my mum. Not the woman who had big dreams for me. Not the woman who promised me a bank account of my own if I passed my A-levels (Mind you my mum was just a salaried primary school teacher, but she dreamt of greatness for her baby girl) Not the woman who promised to do all she can to make sure I study in America, (even when she was unsure of what career path I was taking or how she was going to pay for my travel or studies) Not the woman who loved me and made me believe at 16 that I was worthy of love and that though I didn’t grow up in a home with both parents, that I should believe in marriage. Not that woman… Did I wish at the time it was a dream yes, do I wish it is still a dream yes…

But does God have bigger plans for us…

At that time I wasn’t sure. At that time all I knew was I needed to be strong, if you asked me where I would be in six years back then. I would have told you I do not know.

Mum passed in November 2008, went back to school and got the news that I had won the American Lottery May 2009. What!!!

So I was going to go to America after all… Look at God. and my amazing Aunt (God bless that woman dearly who sacrificed all she could to make sure I didn’t miss my opportunity)

Fast forward 2011, travelled to the US, not knowing what or where I was going. I was led into the hands of some of the most amazing mentors anyone could ask for. New family and friends who trusted in my true potential even though I was unsure of what the future held for me.

Advised to forget about working and pursue an education. I did. (However I did work through school, at some point I had three jobs), I actually had a job where I got finished at midnight and walked about 6 miles to get back to my dorm room. Risky!!! I know but just to tell you God takes care of his own.

My younger brothers always being on my mind and my motivation. I fought through the hard times.

I refused to be depressed, even though it lingered around and some days it took me by surprised. I mean those crying spells, those moments where I would tell mum where are you…or dad where are you the moments where I will try to over compensate just so I could wake up and face my books and the challenges that life gave me. If only you knew how many times I cursed God… you wouldn’t think I’ll still Love Him at this point.

Anyways, I fought through the tough days, and when there was no hope left, I reminded myself of the commitment I had made to myself and my adorable younger brothers and fought on. I prayed and some days I didn’t. But I pressed on.

Six years through the battles, the good times and the humongous student loan, the numerous hours spent studying for my boards… I can finally say, mum and dad, everyone that believed in me even when I doubted myself… I earned my title as Dr Binikiseh. My name tag says Pharmacist…

I don’t share my story so you can feel sorry or empathize but so you can be encouraged and motivated. So you can be strong and have faith that things will workout. And even when you can’t feel God acting in your life, know he is there with you.

About Silo

Siloise Binikiseh is a 25year old girl born and raised in Cameroon West/Central Africa where she did her primary and secondary education. She moved to the United States of America in 2011 where she recently graduated with a Doctorate in Pharmacy and now works as a pharmacist with CVS Pharmacy She is an older sister to two amazing young boys both 16 years old. They are her biggest motivation in everything she does. In addition to loving school and being intellectually accomplished thus far, she also coaches people who are interested in optimizing their capabilities in regards to weight loss, health and overall fitness. This is something she is really passionate about. She also enjoys working out – works out 6 days a week with an active rest day. Among other things she also enjoys reading and volunteering. She volunteers at a local homeless shelter some days of the week. Overall, Siloise likes to motivate and inspire young and old people alike. She is always open to sharing her story, because she believes someone needs it more  and it might actually help save one more life.