Throwback to my matriculations day.

Let me throw it back to my matriculation day! It's been seven years since I started my 100-level studies. My journey wasn't smooth; I faced health challenges and had to take JAMB (Joint admission and matriculations, an examination that must be taken before you can admitted to any higher institutions in Nigeria) multiple times before finally gaining admission to study Business Administration. I'm grateful for my mom's unwavering support, buying JAMB forms for me every year.

What struck me recently was reading about a student who took her own life because she failed JAMB. It made me reflect on my own experiences. Some of us take JAMB multiple times but never gave up or considered extreme measures.
This incident showed me that some young people today struggle with resilience. I was admitted after several attempts, and it took me months to resume school due to uncertainty about my accommodation.

When I finally entered school, I was happy. My first day in class, I fell in love with the environment. Unlike some freshers who struggle to adjust, I was eager to start. I remember when my younger sister was first admitted to school; she wept and kept calling my mom that she wanted to come home. Many people, when they first enter higher institutions, feel the same way. But in my case, I was happy and didn't even think of going home.

A 400 Level student showed me a house for rent, but fortunately, I found a better option through my mom's friend. The sisters I met in the house I rented were also supportive during my registration, sharing valuable insights about school life. As a fresher, I was diligent about attending classes on time, eager to do everything right. It's interesting how the kind of people you meet in school, like "school mothers" and friends, can influence your seriousness about your studies. If you surround yourself with people who prioritize academics, you're more likely to stay focused.

In my case, I met school mothers and school fathers as we always called them, who were active students, always attending classes despite being in their 400 level. Their dedication motivated me to stay on track, and I couldn't help but feel inspired to work hard. Matriculation day arrived, and we freshers were excited. We collected our gowns, took photos, and participated in the ceremony. The older students playfully teased us, and we took the national, state, and school anthems. The VC and lecturers shared words of wisdom, and we took the matriculation oath.

The highlight was the festivities that followed. They had talent shows, and we danced and showcased our skills. We took numerous pictures, capturing memories with friends and classmates. Some students came dressed for photoshoots, while others had family members attend. Though my family wasn't there, my friends and I enjoyed ourselves, dancing and having a great time. Looking back, it's a cherished experience that marked the beginning of my academic journey.

Looking back, my matriculation day was a memorable experience that marked the beginning of my academic journey. Despite the challenges I faced before gaining admission, I'm grateful for the support of my loved ones and the opportunities that came my way.