THEY DON’T KNOW WHAIZ GOING ON. By Osarennoma Ogbeide

Attention freshers! Waiting in the lecture hall an hour before the class starts, taking note of every breath and/or cough of the lecturer and going the extra mile to please them will only last a while. This particular manifestation of ignorance I can forgive as it is your first year here. However, you shall not persist in it any longer. I understand your enthusiasm and eagerness to begin this new journey, but don’t let that steer you in the wrong paths and displace your focus.

The most important thing is settling in well and acclimatizing with the new environment, standing strong at the end of it all. So don’t get it twisted; get to your classes on time, take attendance seriously and make necessary preparations for tests and exams but don’t kill yourself in the process. The journey is just beginning, so save your energy for when you’ll need it most.

Attention stallites’! This is not new to you but perhaps you need some reminder; it is not easy sha. Meeting up to deadlines, group projects, early classes and barely any time to breathe are all indications that the stress is reaching its peak but also an alarm set to go off at the end of the journey. It is commonly known that it gets tougher every year but note this; if you did it before you can surely do it again. Importantly, it’ll be wise to treasure these moments and set your priorities right so that you don’t miss out on what genuinely matter the most. There’s nothing much to say but las las we go dey alright.

Attention finalists! You all can’t be left out. Project this and project that is now your new anthem. After this hustle comes rejoicing but I would caution meekness. The sun of your stay here is already setting and soon after you’d be thrown into the sea called the labour market where only the strong emerge at the top. Don’t drown in fear or anxiety either way. Only then would you glance back and realize that university days weren’t the toughest you have come across.

So behind the pretty faces and fresh aura portrayed lies a labyrinth of experiences, challenges and individual goals. This journey is not as easy as it seems. Just as the saying, “it is easier said than done”, education is no joke. It is however important to take care of yourself; eat, sleep and rest well so you don’t become a tenant in Jaja clinic. Pamper yourself once in a while, you deserve it.

Then when someone comes with the sweet talk of how you look fresh and fine, your response shouldn’t be farfetched. Just smile and say “you don’t know whaiz going on!”