As the years past,I keep on anticipating the big 21, the year I finally get the independence I wanted. Somehow, it felt like it's not that far. I concentrated on my studies without leaving my music out, and truthfully, law was intriguing . I had to take those years of being without freedom to be likened to the time I had to take bitter herbs, when I was still in Nigeria. The herbs used to be bitter for sometime before it finally becomes normal. This new strength I found made me excited and I looked forward to the big 21.
As my 21st birthday approached, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. I had been waiting for this moment for what felt like forever, and I was determined to make the most of it.
I sat down harmed with a notebook and pen, and began to write down all the things I had missed out on due to my overprotective parents and aunt. Parties, concerts, late-night hangouts with friends - the list went on and on.
As I wrote, I realized that I had been living in a bubble, sheltered from the world and its experiences. But now, with my 21st birthday looming, I was determined to break free and live life on my own terms.
Sitting in my room, in my aunt's apartment, surrounded by law books and notes, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. I had come a long way since arriving in the US at 17, and now, at 20, I was nearing graduation.
My 21st birthday was just around the corner, and I was excited to celebrate this milestone. Not only would I be turning 21, but I would also be graduating with a law degree. It was a bittersweet moment, knowing that I had to balance my passion for music with the expectations of my parents.
I had been working hard to ensure that I excelled in law, while also nurturing my love for music. And now, with graduation looming, I can't help but feel excited. It's a multiple celebration in one year. I finally get my freedom, I turn 21, I graduate with a degree in law , but of course without leaving my passion for music out. Now, you all get the reason for my excitement.
I turned my list into a bucket list, a collection of experiences I wanted to have when I finally turned 21. And then, I shared it with Anne, my best friend in the US.
Anne was thrilled when she saw my list, and she offered to help me plan my 21st birthday celebration. We spent hours brainstorming ideas, from parties to concerts to road trips.
My aunt, who had been supportive of me throughout my time in the US, also got involved in the planning process. She suggested that we have a big party at her house, with all of my friends and acquaintances in attendance.
I was touched by my aunt's willingness to support me, and I agreed to let her help plan the party. Together, Anne and my aunt came up with a plan for an epic celebration.
The party would be held on the night of my 21st birthday, and it would be a night to remember. There would be music, dancing, and plenty of food and drinks. It would be the perfect way to mark the beginning of my new life as a young adult.
As the big day approached, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and nervousness. What would the future hold for me? Would I be able to handle the freedom and responsibility that came with being 21?
Only time would tell, but for now, I was just going to enjoy the celebration and the sense of freedom that came with it.
My aunt, Anne, and I had been planning my 21st birthday party for weeks. We wanted to make it a night to remember, and we were all excited to see it come together.
We successfully converted my aunt's house into a trendy venue, with a DJ spinning tracks and a photo booth set up with fun props. My aunt took charge of the cake, and she ordered a stunning one with candles and sparklers.
Anne and I worked on the playlist, choosing songs that we loved and that would get everyone dancing. We also planned some fun games and activities, like a scavenger hunt and a dance-off.
The D-day was finally here, I was awoken by parents call, wishing me a happy "legalised adult" birthday. I was really excited and happy. I remained high spirited throughout the day, waiting for my party at night.
On the night of the party, everything came together perfectly. The music was pumping, and the decorations were vibrant. My friends were all dressed up and having a great time. We danced, took photos, and sang along to our favorite songs.
The highlight of the party was when we had a cake-cutting ceremony, and I blew out the candles. The sparklers added a magical touch, and it was a moment I'll always treasure. Finally, this was my long awaited freedom, you can imagine the excitement on my face.
Throughout the night, I felt grateful to my aunt and Anne for making my birthday so special. They had put in so much effort to make it a night to remember, and it showed. Everyone was having a great time, and I was surrounded by people I loved.
The party was a blast, and I'm so glad I got to celebrate it with my friends and family. It was a night I'll never forget, and I'm excited for the adventures that lie ahead.
I woke up to a pounding headache, my mouth dry and my body screaming for water. I tried to sit up, but the room spun around me, and I fell back onto the bed. What had happened last night? I vaguely remembered celebrating my 21st birthday with friends, but the details were fuzzy.
As I slowly got dressed and made my way to the kitchen, I saw a note on the counter from my aunt. "Call me when you're up," it read. I groaned, feeling a wave of regret wash over me.
After hydrating and trying to shake off the hangover, I called my aunt. She answered on the first ring. "Hey, kiddo. I had to leave for an important seminar early this morning. How are you feeling?"
I mumbled something incoherent, and she laughed. "I take that as a sign you're still recovering. Listen, we need to talk about your graduation plans. You've got to decide on a specialization in law."
I hesitated, feeling overwhelmed. I had always thought my parents would guide me through this decision. But now, as a "legal adult," I was expected to make my own choices.
"Can I talk to Mom and Dad about it?" I asked, hoping for some guidance.
My aunt's tone turned serious. "Adeseuwa, you're 21 now. You're an adult. It's time you started making your own decisions. Your parents can't always be there to guide you."
I felt a pang of frustration and disappointment. Why were they pushing me to make decisions on my own now, when they had always been so controlling?
"I don't know what to do," I admitted, feeling a sense of uncertainty.
"That's okay, my dear. You'll figure it out. You just need to take some time to think about what you want to do. You've got this."
I hung up the phone, feeling both empowered and terrified. I was finally free to make my own choices, but I had no idea where to start. The weight of responsibility settled on my shoulders, and I wondered if I was truly ready for this new chapter in my life.