When it comes to this year and how it has been so far for me, I just have to say that I have a lot to be grateful for with where I am. If you ask anyone, they’d easily tell you that this year 2024 has to be one of the worst years to be a Nigerian. There are just so many things that are happening and they all seemed to be weapons fashioned against the poor Nigerian masses.
But then what can we do? Our leaders are just hell-bent on impoverishing the people while they get rich and they get fat. They keep everything for themselves and leaving us nothing but suffering and strife. Yet, we do our best to endure and to survive. We do our best to adapt to the ever changing clime. Things don’t get easy, they get worse yet we’re still enduring. We’re still suffering. We’re still smiling.
For me, one of the hardest things I’ve faced this year was actually trying to balance my work and school life. In previous years, it wasn’t so difficult. Things were a bit easier then and the financial burden was a little bit more agreeable. As a result, I didn’t have to work so much to be able to afford the things I needed. That way, I was still able to make time out for my schooling and give it all the attention that it needed.
However, in my final year, the year where I would have even more financial obligations academically, it also turned out to be the year that the naira would go into a free fall against the dollar. The way the cost of living just skyrocketed in Nigeria was unprecedented and we’re not yet to recover from it. People are trying hard to adjust, however, the more you try, the more these guys keep shifting the bar. They keep making life hard for us and we’re the ones who get to suffer the consequences.
For me, it was really difficult making do. I had to work more so that I could earn more. Working more meant spending more time on my laptop and less time in the class room. If I kept that up, my academics would suffer and for a finalist, that was a terrible thing. Yet, if I focused on my classes and school doings, I would not have enough money to keep up with the financial obligations that came with being a finalist. There were textbooks to be bought, projects to be conducted, materials to be bought. The list goes on and on.
Every day that you’re a student is a day that you spend some money, whether you have it or not. It was frustrating and I had to find a balance. I had to find a way to make the extra money while still giving optimal attention to my academics. And I have to admit, it wasn’t easy. I just couldn’t do it, one was always going to be more dominant than the other. However, I had to make a compromise.
I was going to be working for a long time, meanwhile, my days as a student were numbered. So, I was forced to allow my student life take prominence. So, I worked according to the amount of money that I needed. It meant that I was always broke, but it also meant that I was giving enough attention to my books. And when the exams rolled around, I still performed well enough.
Now, the exams are over and I’m slowly claiming my life back. I’m working on my project now and the defense would be soon, once that is done, I’d know that I have nothing yoking me to this school and it’s blood-sucking capabilities. I’d finally be free to do what I want and work as hard and as long as I want.
Anyway, I’m glad that I was able to jump over that hurdle without any issues. Thankfully, my exams didn’t suffer for it and I’m glad about that. At least I know that I won’t have to go through all that again.
A Nigerian would clearly understand the struggles of balancing work and school especially in this tough moment we are.
I love your determination to prioritize your academics not minding the difficulties. I'm happy you found balance and finished with a good grade. I Wish you the best as you complete your project and move on to the next chapter of your journey.
As in... I didn't really have a choice, I had to do was best for me. Thankfully, It paid off.
2024 has been a very strange year, I think. While it's going by really fast, it's also been very turbulent and heavy...
As in ehn... it has been extremely turbulent indeed!
Blood drinking lecturers and vendors....lol...am glad to see that you re done with your exams.
Final year is always tasking because those lecturers sees it as their last time to bill you and they do that with their full chest
As in ehn... it's just so frutrating. But now, it's all a thing of the past.
I am grateful for everything I have been as to achieve and for all that I have not been able to accomplish. This year has really been tough for most of us in Nigeria.
Our government with new unrealistic policies made it more painful. I for one, have a lot of respect for our president but I have been disappointed to say the least.
You must have worked really hard to stay focused on your academics despite the harsh situation you find yourself.
As in ehn... I did work hard, so i'm glad that I can get some breathing space now.
Omor bro, being in your final means this last endurance you did just put you in the right path of success. Just keep on riding that, I can see how active you've become really.
Nigeria to me, need deliverance to overcome the challenges it faces, because the environment just supports much rubbish than good as of now.
It's just saddening, makes you wonder where we're going as a people.