The journey of a thousand miles definitely begins with a step. Waking up to a rancorous atmosphere well, seldom quiet in most cases, my attention cast on fellow students rousing to the day's activities, running from the queue at the tap water to the crowd at the bathroom and then to the mob waiting behind the hot plate. Prior to this time, diverse volumes of voices can be heard at every nooks beseeching their versions of God for strength to withstand the day. Self- acclaimed evangelists are also vigorously gnawing at the PAS wailing at the wanton destruction that awaits the infidels and then proselytizing them into the “narrow way”. The reading halls are no left out in the bustle, students who have snored off their books the previous night are dousing up and fresh ones are looking to see if they can “cram” some materials ahead of the day. The day winds up in the same fashion as it started. After series of rigorous lectures, with little prospects of a decent dinner, results are checked and new rounds of depression set in. Now pondering these underwhelming scenarios, I thought to myself, what exactly are these struggle for? Am I forced to juggle the bitter pills that we’re on a rat race? If so, what then is the purpose of toting the baton in this expectations-induced race?
Taking my authority from a Jamaican journalist and publisher, a proponent of Pan-Africanist movement in the person of Marcus Garvey, he said and I quote that ‘if you have no confidence in self, you will be defeated twice in life’. These words on marble equip us with the determination and confidence requisite to run this race excellently. Needs no soothsaying that the primary aim of our presence in this citadel is to handle our academics squarely and graduating with a degree that holds pride. Thus, while engaging in our other several other extra-curricular activities, socializing and creating reliable networks, our totem of critical assessment must always keep us guided on the right path, away from dangerous distractions and harmful digressions.
In conclusion of the whole matter, drawing my quote from a Ghanaian inspirational writer in the person of Lailah Gifty Akita, she said and I quote ‘In the race of life, do not compete with anyone, compete with yourself’. As student, we need to understand the uniqueness of our race and not follow blindly in others path. Run with strength. Trudge with strength. Allow no despair. Remember the kindred with similar struggle. Draw succor from the assurance that there’s a time when you shall swim in the light at the end of the tunnel.
I then leave you with the question, on which note are you racing? With posterity in sight? What are the achievements we hold unto while running the race? What the lesson learnt after the race? See you at the other side.
OLATUNJI SAMUEL TOLULOPE
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