Childhood Dreams, Lifelong Friendship, Oxford | Assen Nsongan Gabrielle Victoire·

Best friends Nouriatu Leinyuy Mayenin and Assen Nsongan Gabrielle Victoire completed one of their childhood to-do list.

We were just two 13-year-old girls at Obili Scalom.

Most days, we didn't even have money for breakfast. So, when the bell rang for break and everyone rushed outside to buy food, we stayed behind in the classroom.

We would pretend we wanted to study our dictionary and learn new English words.

The truth was that we couldn't afford to go out.

As we flipped through our dictionaries, we always saw the word "Oxford" on the cover. We had heard people describe it as one of the most beautiful and prestigious universities in the world. So, in our own little way, we made it part of our childhood to-do list.

"One day, we'll take a picture in front of Oxford University."

To us, it was a dream.

To everyone else, it was a joke.

Some classmates laughed and would say, "You can't even afford food during break, and you're talking about taking a plane to Oxford?"

Deep down, we knew they had a point.

We had no money, no connections, no idea how it would ever happen. But somehow... we never stopped believing.

In January 2024, we reminded each other of that childhood promise and made it our New Year's resolution while mocking each other.

Around the same time, Open Dreams came into our lives.

For the first time, impossible dreams started to feel achievable. It truly felt like we had found the dream land-a place where people believed in our dreams as much as we did.

In 2025, Nouriatu called me from Oxford.

She smiled, showed me the university through the camera, and said,"Next year, it's your turn to take a picture."

I laughed and replied, "I tap the grace."

Honestly, I still had no idea how I would find myself there.

This year, I stood in front of Oxford University and took a picture.

Looking back, I realize this story isn't really about Oxford. It's about friendship. It's about having someone who dreams with you when everyone else laughs, reminds you of your potential when you begin to doubt yourself, and celebrates your victories as if they were their own.

Some dreams don't come true because you dreamed alone. They come true because someone kept believing with you.

Here's to childhood promises, faithful friendships, and dreamers who refuse to let go.

Iron sharpens iron.

• Assen Nsongan Gabrielle Victoire | Open Dreams