Being a student is one of life's biggest challenge especially here in Africa. In Nigeria alone, you are solely responsible of your welfare if and if you do not have benefactors. It is one hell of an experience.
Before one gains admission into the University, there will be series of tests and exams written and hopes up in prayers for the gains and once in, it becomes an achieved journey or cleared level in a game... Another battle.
In my four years of stay in the tertiary institution, my parents and I have been the only responsibility. Asking for assistance from any relative is disappointing and close depression as their replies of promises weigh like mountains.
'send your account details'.
'Oh my dear, it is well, there's nothing I can do now but check me next week'.
'I don't have money ooo, what about your parents, How are they?'.
These are the heart breaking replies which kills whatever hope left to stay afloat and keep forward. Students suffer!!! they really do and if as a lady you do not have an 'extra hand' or 'means' forget it, you are doomed. These 'extra hands' come in form of boyfriends, sugar daddies or engaging in illicit activities to keep body, soul and mind in tact. As a guy, one must be intellectually high and smart enough to engage in being a mercenary or teach tutorials to junior colleagues. We are few who tread the path of turning creativity into business so as to sustain self...we look with faith that our honest struggle will see us through the rough path. We continually GRIND to stay atop as we keep the dreams alive that it surely will PAY!.
studentship is one hell of a SHIP!
We groan. We cry. We pray. We beg to stay alive so as not to see life whip us out. We goddamn are in pain!!! but we learn to bear this cross till Golgath and nail it with the words - IT IS FINISHED. And when we do, resurrection is an extra war as we face the crowded market if one do not have a 'ladder' or a fore 'plan' to beat the struggle while in school. Sadly, many do not plan ahead as they are faced with the grades, grades gleaning the paper which may not be accepted or proven by same society who boxed us with its standards.
Our skills.
Our creativity.
Our entrepreneurial spirit.
Our deviation.
Is what makes us stand, it is what some of us learnt or discovered while in the school, polished, make / made wealth and still use to survive the labour market.
Appreciate students.
Send love across.