Every Monday to Thursday, I have to be in the lecture hall early. Missing class has consequences. Who said university is easy? Let me tell you—it's not.
Sometimes I tell myself: if you're not ready to tolerate certain things, don't even bother going to school.
When will vacation come? Soon, I hope.
Eii, I just heard our timetable is out! Let me cook something first—then I'll check it.
Finally checked it—two days late. Can you imagine? What if I had a paper the next day and didn't know? That's the kind of pressure no one tells you about when they glamorize university life.
Anyway, the good news? Exams start next week. That gives me time—or at least that's what I tell myself.
I'll start with the hardest course, the one that makes my brain spin and my heart race. I keep saying I'll conquer it, even if it takes midnight breakdowns and gallons of tea.
Time is flying. Just two papers left. But even when exams end, it doesn't mean peace. Hostel managers treat us like we're begging for shelter. You call, they promise to get back—but they won't. Next call? They act like they've never heard your name before.
It's exhausting.
Sometimes I wonder—how do others make it look so easy? The ones who smile like life is simple. Maybe they're just better at hiding their stress, or maybe they have someone backing them up, someone to call, someone to lean on.
Me? I have my thoughts, my journal, and this stubborn hope that one day, someone will notice—not just my struggle, but my effort. My growth. My heart.
Because even in silence, I'm trying. Even when no one sees, I'm still standing.
Just remembered—I need to jot down what happened today in my diary. Done. Now I'll take a quick one-hour siesta, then eat something.
Ahh, finally, tomorrow is Saturday. I can rest after doing my laundry. Hmm, it's not easy being a university student.
It's a new day, a new beginning. What should I do first today? Laundry. Then my favorite story to read. Still two papers to go. But why is this particular course giving me wahala? I've read, searched, and asked questions—still no understanding. I think I need to consult a colleague.
Guess what? I'm writing my favorite course today, and I'm feeling giddy already. Ahh, my day went well—especially my exam.
Knock! Knock!
Who wants to break my door like that?
Let me check…
"Heyyy, Jenny! How are you? Why do I owe you this visit?"
She laughed and leaned against the doorframe. "Rachy, don't act surprised. I just finished my paper and needed a calm space. And your room is the calmest place I know."
I let her in, teasing, "Calm? In this my chaos?"
She laughed, dropped her bag on the floor, and made herself comfortable on my bed like she always does. That's Jenny—she never asks for permission; she just comes in with her bright energy and fills the whole room.
"I heard you're finding it hard to study for that last paper," she said, scanning the open books on my desk.
"Mmm, yes ooo," I sighed, scratching my head. "This course is doing me anyhow. I've read, watched videos, asked questions—still no understanding."
She gave me a playful eye-roll. "That's because you're not looking at it the right way. Let's dive in."
And so we did.
We went over the main points, one by one. She explained things differently, in her usual dramatic, funny way. I didn't even realize when I started to understand the topic. For the first time in days, I wasn't stressed over that course.
"Ehhhh, it's already 6 pm?" I said, shocked at how time flew.
She smiled, clearly satisfied. "Haha, I know I've helped you ooo, but abeg find something for me to eat."
"Feel at home, joor. Enter the kitchen and sort yourself out," I laughed. "You've earned it."
While she was eating, we talked about vacation plans.
"Hmmm, so during the break, will you do any internship?" she asked.
"Well, you know I wanted to last semester, but things didn't work out. This time, I won't let it pass me by again. I'm ready," I said with a proud smile. "What about you?"
She shrugged. "Still thinking about it. Maybe I'll go home and rest small first."
After she finished eating, I walked her to the campus gate. On my way back, I bumped into a door frame. "Gossssh, my head! What a clumsy lady I am," I mumbled to myself, half-laughing.