As a child growing up in Nigeria, Gold Firstman hawked bread and dreamed of a better life. Now, she navigates digital spaces to unlock opportunities—for herself and the next generation.

I know what it’s like to be that young student, staring at a screen, desperate for an opportunity to change their story.

I was the girl who hawked bread under the scorching sun in Port-Harcourt, Nigeria, weaving through traffic, calling out to strangers,hoping to sell enough to bring something home. I was the girl who walked miles just to get to a cyber café because back then, there was very poor electricity and no WiFi. Still, I refused to let a bad network and poor infrastructure bury my dreams.

I was the girl who sat in front of a desktop computer, staring at job postings in countries I had never been to, wondering if a girl like me born into struggle could ever have a chance.

Before I knew how to maximize online spaces, I tried a chatting site called To-Go, but it didn’t do much for me. Then, I turned to Facebook to connect with friends, but I still didn’t find what I was looking for. So, I started using Google to search for opportunities. I created Yahoo Mail and Gmail accounts so that I could receive updates about scholarships as a young undergraduate.

One day, I stumbled on the Chevron Scholarship during one of my countless Google searches. I was excited, but I couldn’t do much from my small phone; I walked to a cyber café and spent hours browsing all the requirements. With the help of the experts, I applied and waited. 

I still remember the moment I got the news. I sat there, staring at my name on the school's notice board, my heart pounding. Me? A girl from a struggling home? Chosen? It was at that moment I realized the power of the internet. If I could find this, what else could I discover? What other doors could open?

Out of 1,500 students, only two of us knew we were awarded the scholarship due to limited access to the internet. That scholarship funded my four-year university degree.

Fast forward to 2020, when I began to be active on LinkedIn. At first, I didn’t know what to post, so I simply read what professionals were sharing. I wanted to understand how they thought, what they talked about, how they built careers online. I was searching for something — anything — to help me move forward.

One day, while browsing the internet, I found a site offering free Virtual Assistant training for young people in Africa. I enrolled, determined to use the internet for good. I learned how to use Google tools, manage emails, organize data, and assist busy professionals remotely. It was a whole new world for me.

I started talking about what I could do on LinkedIn. At first, it felt strange, almost like shouting into the void. But then, people started noticing. My inbox began to fill with messages. "Can you help me with this?"

"Are you available for work?"

Before I knew it, I was working with professionals from different parts of the world, all from my small corner in Nigeria.

Then, one day, I saw World Pulse on my feed. A platform where women could share their stories, connect, and inspire each other. I joined, and for the first time, I didn’t just read about other people’s journeys, I shared mine.

That single act changed my life. I got my first podcast appearance through World Pulse to share my story on the Empathy Youyou Meme Show hosted by Mimi Nicklin. I have connected with women from different countries, each with their own struggles, triumphs, and lessons. Reading their stories daily gives me strength, reminding me that my journey, no matter how small, was part of something bigger.

Today, I source opportunities online and share them with teenagers. I now know how to use Google search effectively, and I help young girls discover websites where they can learn valuable skills. I run a WhatsApp community where I share resources, job leads, and opportunities to help others grow.

I have had the opportunity to join a team that taught young people about the power of the internet in a program called ICT Evangelism for Teens and Children. I’ve also joined several movements dedicated to helping people make good use of the internet — because I know firsthand how life-changing it can be.

We are bringing the world together through the use of digital space for good.

But one of the things I am most excited about is my latest project — EduLift for Indigenous Teens. I have written the plan, structure, and budget for this project, and now I am actively looking for sponsors and partners who believe in this vision and want to help me pilot this initiative.

EduLift exists to bridge the gap for indigenous secondary school students and university freshmen in Nigeria who struggle with financial limitations.

Our goals are simple: Help students fund their education; equip them with high-income skills (like Virtual Assistance); provide access to scholarships (local and international); and support them academically through online tutoring. 

I know what it’s like to be that young student, staring at a screen, desperate for an opportunity to change their story. I know what it means to feel stuck, to have potential but no access. I know what it's like to lose parents and even an older sibling to HIV/AIDS. And this is why I won’t stop.

I didn’t back down when I was selling bread in traffic. I didn’t stop when my small phone couldn’t handle the scholarship portals. I didn’t stop when I had to walk miles to a cyber café just to send an application.

I’m just getting started. I believe in the power of online spaces and the power of education. These spaces allow us to speak up, to source relevant information, and to take action. I see this on World Pulse: I read about so many women who are leading initiatives, and it inspires me to keep going with mine.

If you are overwhelmed, remember that you can find guidance in digital spaces. And with the rise of AI and other tools making it easier than ever to connect and find what you need, now is the time to take advantage. Get online, read stories, stay connected and stay motivated. Keep going. Because the world is waiting to hear your story. 

STORY AWARDS

This story was published as part of World Pulse's Story Awards program. We believe every woman has a story to share, and that the world will be a better place when women are heard.