Episode 1: New Begings.
Narrated by Ade.
I will never forget the day I first set foot on the sprawling campus of the University of Abuja. The sun was unrelenting, bearing down with its intense heat as if testing my resolve. But it wasn’t just the sun that was making me sweat; it was the weight of expectations and the anxiety of starting a new chapter in my life.
My father’s voice echoed in my mind as I trudged through the campus: “Ade, omo mi, this is your chance to make us proud. Remember, focus on your studies and nothing else.” Those words were more than just advice; they were a directive. My family had sacrificed a lot to get me here, and I couldn’t afford to let them down.
The hostel assignment process was a bureaucratic nightmare. I had arrived at the office early, thinking I’d beat the rush. Little did I know, everyone else had the same plan. The line snaked through the hallway, and the officials behind the counter seemed more interested in their phones than in assisting us. It was chaotic.
After an hour of waiting, I finally reached the front. The man handling assignments barely looked up from his desk. “Next!” he barked without a hint of patience. I handed over my documents, trying to keep my frustration in check. “I’ve been waiting for quite some time,” I began, but he cut me off with a dismissive wave. “You should have come earlier. The system is not here to serve you personally.” His tone was sharp, and his lack of empathy was palpable.
The process dragged on, and it felt like an eternity. He seemed to take a perverse pleasure in making us wait, only to grudgingly assign me a room in the Old Boys Hostel. It wasn’t the luxurious accommodation I had imagined, but it was a start.
When I finally arrived at the hostel, it was a far cry from the modern buildings I had envisioned. The walls were peeling, and the doors creaked ominously. The place had a certain charm, though, a kind of rustic familiarity. I entered my room, and my new roommate, Chukwudi, greeted me. His warm smile was a welcome contrast to the bureaucratic coldness I had just endured.
Chukwudi was from Anambra, and his Igbo accent was immediately noticeable. “Nna, welcome o! This is our new palace,” he joked, gesturing around the sparse room with exaggerated pride. His easygoing manner was refreshing. We quickly struck up a conversation. He told me about the university, the local spots to check out, and the best places to eat on campus.
We spent the rest of the afternoon unpacking and chatting. I learned that Chukwudi was a student of engineering, and he had his own share of struggles and triumphs. He spoke with a mix of pride and modesty about his achievements and his hopes for the future.
As evening approached, the campus started to buzz with activity. Students gathered in groups, and the sounds of laughter and conversation filled the air. I took a deep breath, feeling a mix of excitement and trepidation. This was the beginning of a new adventure, and despite the rough start, I felt a sense of optimism.
Later that night, as I lay on my bed, I reflected on the day’s events. My father’s words, the long wait at the hostel office, and my new roommate’s warm welcome all seemed to blend together into a mosaic of new beginnings. I was determined to make the most of this opportunity and to overcome the challenges ahead.
Tomorrow would bring new experiences and new challenges, but for tonight, I allowed myself a moment of rest. I closed my eyes, imagining the possibilities that awaited me at the University of Abuja.
