“I want to be a lawyer because I want to become a voice to the voiceless girls in Uganda. I know some girls whose rights were violated through rape and didn’t get any justice. Some got pregnant and had to drop out of school. I was so hurt and heartbroken thinking about how their lives and future were ruined but there was not much I could do. As girls, we are bullied so much by boys. I’ve personally had boys come to me saying they are in love with me but when I tell them I am not interested in a romantic relationship they become abusive and start calling me ugly and all those rude offensive words. This lowers my self-esteem and it also puts fear in me knowing these boys are capable of hurting me because I rejected them. I always report such cases to the senior woman at school and when I am home I talk to my elder sister who always gives good counsel. She always tells me to ignore the negative stuff people say, work hard for what I don’t have, and stay focused as well as grateful for what I have. Joy for children helps with my school fees, and they also mentor us on how to go through life. I have also made friends through them.”