As the popular saying goes "Life is a Stage", indeed it is. Different stages make up the whole; the stage covers the whole life circle. Each stage is very unique and the uniqueness brings the excitement or sadness.

In my early stage, life was a mirage. As a boy (the third son of a family of six) I grew up under the tutolage and control of my elder brothers, especially the eldest. Most times that's what happens in Africa, especially in my country, Nigeria. The goings was rough, pain and anguish was the order other day. But that is the past.

My Early Expectations/Dreams

Like most growing up children, my expectations and dreams where high. But the opportunity and needed support to realize my dreams wasn't readily available at that early stage. That made me to struggle very hard for everything I needed.
To mention a few of the dreams:

1. Education -

My aim was to be a University Don. I was always admiring the academics and saw them as the best human beings. As a result, I strove to be the best amongst my class mates in academics and was enjoying the accolades from my peers and the elderly alike.
My dream here was truncated and diverted to the profession I'm in now. No regrets any way.

2. Finance

I had the urge to be amongst the riches of the world. The means to achieve that wasn't defined due to childiness. A good dream though, but still struggling towards it's realization.

3. Socially

I desired a happy and glamorous life, have fun of all types and kind, a good wife and children, enjoy life in its fullest and associate with the high and mighty in the land. Unguided expectation in some aspect, I should say. I'm happy where and how I am socially without attaining all that I unguidedly expected.

Exit From Home

I lived with my parents until about 15 years of age when I was forced to leave the home in pursuit of life necessities. Painful as it was, but it paid off after a long while.
The adventure brought me close to some noble people including Mr Alphonus Ogbeche, a top business mogul in oil and gas, (late now), a father to one of Nigeria's former international footballer, Bathlomew Ogbeche. My meeting him contributed positively to my up-bringing.

Diligence/Character

I realized early in life that Diligence coupled with Character is key to success.
Diligence - the Holy Book says "seeth thou a man diligent in his work, he shall stand before Kings, he shall not stand before mean men". It's crucially important to be diligent in whatever you do if you must achieve success.
Character - I would describe Character as "a set of values that shapes the conduct of an individual". It's sumptuously expedient because its a set of principles, both spoken and unspoken, that a person observes and lives by. The major aspect of it is Trustworthiness and self discipline.

It's positive Effects

I tried as much, unconsciously though, to imbibe these aspects in my early life and graciously it endeared me into the hearts of people (both my peers and elderly). This positioned me on the pedestal of leadership without me knowing it. What I discovered was that almost in every group I belong even before I got to a teenage age, I was made the leader, usually either by election, appointment or selection. I led many groups before and during my teenage age and has continued till now.
Instances abound, but just these two:
I. While at the higher institution, I was elected the class governor. I served till I completed my studies.
II. I have been a deacon in my church for over 26 years and still kicking.

As I was growing up I took special interest in reading autobiographies of many successful and great people. Amongst them was that of one of the greatest Nigerian leader, Chief Obafemi Jeremiah Oyeniyi Awolowo, The first Premier of the then Western Region of Nigeria. A lawyer and an accomplished politician.
He came from a humble background, but rose to prominence. His story fascinated and spoured me to more action to succeed. Please goggle "The Life and Times of Chief Obafemi Jeremiah Oyeniyi Awolowo" to confirm.

CONCLUSION

I here say, my early stage of life was adventurous. Having survived the turbulence of the both economic and social vagaries, I can publish my experience even at the roof top for people if similar background to learn and as to benefit.
Let me reiterate my earlier quote "There is no market where to buy experience", therefore "experience has and will remain the best teacher".
Life being a stage, every human being has a stage and will vacate that stage one day. The important thing is what was done. Know it for sure, what you do while on stage will altimately trail you accordingly. Be wise.