It was in July of 2011, that we reported for school. As a freshwoman (female first year student) so innocent, pure and naive, with other first year students we grouped ourselves as we wondered around, trying to understand what we were seeing. Most of us from christian homes could not believe how free people were in doing what we deemed 'wrong'.
I started imagining my life in such a place, wondered how I would manage. This is a place where right seemed wrong, and wrong seemed right. Some people would move almost naked and this was very new to me considering the place I grew up from. See, this is a place where people could insult anyhow, pass disturbing comments about people, they would bully the inferior, laugh at people, make fun of serious situations, riots, and all. People with low self esteem would be very discouraged The confident needed to remain strong, the weak needed to find strength.
This is a place I had to call home for a number of years. I had to manage my life in this place and learnt quiet a number of things.
I discovered who I am, through the experiences, the successes, failures, I learnt how to fight and I discovered I am a warrior, who never relents. I found out that that it is actually okay to be comfortable with the uncomfortable, to leave your comfort zone.I began to recognize who I am & who I wan to be. I learned what my interests were, what I was most passionate about, and I even discovered talents that I never knew I had.
How to love and appreciate my grandmother even more. I understood her struggle and all what she had to go through to see me through university. The piece works she would do to just send me some money and food for upkeep. Am forever grateful.
How to cut a piece of cloth according to my size. I learnt to live within my means. I learnt to lead quiet life.I learnt the principles of budgeting.
I learnt the art of letting go. I met a number of people of on the way and some helped me grow and taught me lessons that will never forget. Some fell off on the way.And this has taught me to understand the process of letting go. Let go of negative energy, let go of fake people, let go of all the pain that life has caused me, let go of my sorrows, let go and LET GOD.
How to accept other people. I met people from different backgrounds and cultures. People who had views and opinions that were different from mine. I grew to appreciate and respect those amazing cultural,and perspective differences.
How to balance. University taught me to balance life. From academics, family, friends and personal life. It helped me have an organized life, and also put my priorities in order at any time.
How to manage my time. Knowing what is supposed to be done at what time. Develop a schedule for each program, from classes, to the library,to group discussions, to tutorials, to church, to work out, to play and have fun and time to myself.
How to dream. A lot of dreams were born in my dorm room. I realized that dreams don't just happen but you need to push and make things happen. I started my first small business in school and this gave birth to my entrepreneurship dream. I did a lot of research and it's helping even after leaving school. It's a skill of survivor. I'm glad I learned it. This and many more dreams were realized.
I learnt how to pray more, to speak less, listen more,create my own opportunities, stand for what I believe in,work hard and smart. I learnt that people will treat you based on what you accept from them. Lastly, I learnt to share my story to inspire someone, to give hope to the hopeless, and to encourage the discouraged, saying what you put your mind on you will achieve. Believe, Believe and Believe.
#BEINSPIRED.
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