The pressure to follow society’s standards is something that most of us have felt since we were little kids.
Many times, we’ve been pushed to be something we’re not and to do something that we don’t want to.
But, some people refuse to fit in with these society’s standards because they are born to stand out.
One such inspiring person is 32-year-old Lulu Jemimah.
An Oxford University student from Uganda, she was frustrated with the constant pressure on getting married. Lulu fed up of her family lecturing her on the importance of settling down with the right man – walked herself down the aisle on August 27 – her 32nd birthday, and married herself!
The act of marrying oneself is called ‘sologamy’, and it’s getting quite popular.
Jemimah’s parents didn’t attend the ceremony, but she called later and explained everything. Though her parents may not have liked her decision, the internet is praising her bravery.
But, life hasn’t been easy for Lulu. Though she has shown commitment to her career and education, sadly, one needs more than commitment – one need money that Lulu doesn’t have to be part of Oxford.Â
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In order to raise funds for her tuition fee at Oxford, she opened a blog, where she shared her story to solicit funds and well-wishes.
This is a part of her love story.
“I turned 32 recently and decided to get married. To myself. I made the commitment to see this life through, at whatever cost. Around this time last year, I was accepted into the University of Oxford.
This has been a great year but also one of the most difficult.
I am a writer from Uganda working towards a career in research and academia. To do this, I need a masters degree, at the very least but no university in Uganda offers creative writing at graduate level.
Last year, I applied to three UK universities, was admitted but without funding. Then I applied and was accepted into the two-year Mst. in Creative Writing program at Oxford. I could not believe that they had chosen me. I still can’t believe it.
Despite all this, people ask me what my ‘plan’ is, when I plan to get married, have children and start a family.
My father wrote my wedding speech when I turned 16. Every birthday, my mother prays for me and in recent years this has included a plea for a good husband. Someone to take care of me. I decided to put them all at ease.
I got married on my 32nd birthday to the one person I am certain will take care of me. My wedding cost me $ 2.62 (transport to the venue.)
A friend hired the gown as a birthday present. Another friend offered to do my makeup. I borrowed my sister’s jewelry and my brother baked the cake. I asked a few friends to show up at a local bar and cater for their individual bills.
Marriage is an expression of love and commitment. But for many people back home, it is still considered the only way to guarantee a woman’s financial security. These are all things that I want.”
The only difference is I am more confident about getting them from one of these two gowns:
Or,
You can read the full letter here.
She has managed to gather £4,847 so far. Hope, she will soon be able to gather the total of £10,194, which is required to keep her in Oxford.Â
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