Travel to Chase My Dream

The Dream of Traveling Abroad Among African Youth

For many young men and women across Africa, the dream of traveling abroad is more than adventure. It represents opportunity, success, and the hope of a better life. They picture themselves walking the streets of London, studying in New York, or building careers in global cities they have only seen on television. But for many, this journey is filled with rejection, pain, and lessons that test the human spirit.

Benjamin’s Story, Fifteen Visa Rejections and Painful Lessons

Benjamin, a young man from Accra, applied for a visa to the United States and the United Kingdom more than fifteen times. Each attempt carried hope. He gathered documents, borrowed money for fees, and prayed for success. Yet each time, the same crushing word appeared: Denied.

At first, he laughed it off. But as the denials piled up, the emotional toll grew heavier. By the fifth rejection, he began to withdraw. By the eighth, he stopped telling his friends about new interviews. By the twelfth, he felt broken. By the fifteenth, he questioned his own worth.

The Emotional and Mental Toll of Repeated Visa Denials

Benjamin’s story is not unique. Many young men and women from Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, and beyond share the same struggles. Some apply ten, twelve, or even twenty times. Each rejection drains not only finances but also emotions. Shame, anxiety, depression, and the fear of being left behind become common.

The mental strain is real. Hope turns into fear. Excitement becomes dread. Dreams that once gave energy now feel heavy. Many begin to ask, “Am I not good enough? Is my destiny locked behind embassy walls?”

Shared Struggles Across Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, and Beyond

Across the continent, rejection stories echo. Each person carries the same weight of loss, doubt, and frustration. But their struggles also highlight something deeper, the strength to endure despite setbacks.

Why Rejection Does Not Define Your Future

The truth is simple, rejection is not the end. Embassies may hold the power to approve or deny a visa, but they do not decide a person’s future. True strength lies in persistence and the courage to rise after every fall. The journey to foreign lands is not only about crossing borders. It is also about discovering resilience, patience, and the ability to build where you are.

Building Resilience, Patience, and Strength at Home

Benjamin’s experience, and the stories of many others, show that dreams remain valid even when delayed. Travel may open doors, but so does perseverance and innovation. Building value where you are creates opportunities that are just as powerful as those abroad.

Practical Steps for Young Dreamers Facing Visa Rejection

Invest in Yourself
Focus on education, skill development, or starting a small business. What you create at home can prepare you for opportunities abroad or even create success locally.

Seek Mental Health and Community Support
Rejection is heavy. Speak to mentors, counselors, or trusted friends. You do not need to carry the burden alone.

Explore Scholarships, Online Learning, and Alternatives
Scholarships, exchange programs, digital education, and regional opportunities can provide global exposure without the stress of repeated visa denials.

Stay Prepared for Future Opportunities
Keep your documents, qualifications, and mindset ready. When the right door opens, walk through with confidence.

Dreams Delayed Are Not Dreams Denied

Visa rejection is painful, but it does not end your story. Delayed dreams remain valid. Keep building, keep believing, and prepare yourself. When the right opportunity comes, you will step forward stronger, wiser, and unstoppable.

By Dr. David Rex Orgen, Best-Selling Author and International Mental Health Expert