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Growing up in Nigeria, independence wasn't just a milestone; it was a rite of passage, a declaration of adulthood whispered in the winds of change. For me, that defining moment arrived when I bid farewell to the comfort of home and embarked on a journey to school. It wasn't just a physical departure for me; it was me stepping into an unknown land alone, and trying to dance in accordance to the tune of my newfound freedom. Honestly, it wasn't an easy one since it was the first time I was leaving home to be alone ever since I was born.
I can vividly remember stepping onto that crowded AKTC bus, the scent of adventure mingled with the chaos of the city of Enugu park where I took off from filled my nose. From the time the driver stepped on the pedal of the vehicle, it reminded me that I was venturing into unknown territory, leaving the safety net of my parents. Yetin all these there was this sense of liberation, and yearnings for the taste of autonomy that stirred deep within my soul.
I arrived in the city of Uyo, a complete stranger and “Johnny just come”. I quickly settled in the lodge I had already secured and the next day. I zoomed off to school where I was greeted by a campus buzzing with life, faces of young humans who had the same mission as I did. Voices and languages that had converged from all corners of the country to acquire education. It was a melting pot of cultures, a mosaic of dreams woven together by the common thread of education.
Of Course settling into my new life and its surroundings alone wasn't an easy one. I seriously did experience a myriad of challenges, but that's what I had always wanted. To experience life as it is without anyone cutting through the path first just to make it easier. I wanted to experience life outside the comfort and protection of my parents and of course I did experience it.
From managing my finances to juggling through academic responsibilities, knowing within me that every of my decisions carried with it a weight of consequence, a test of my resilience and resourcefulness. And as I scaled through with each obstacle, I grew in me a sense of empowerment blossoming into a quiet confidence. And it all emanated from the fact that I realised that I was capable of charting my own course.
I think that tne most profound important lesson I learned during my period of transition from a mummy's boy to a man was the importance of budgeting and financial responsibility. Yes, because I knew I was no longer shielded by the safety net of parental support, I realised that I had to attack my expenses head-on and with wisdom, learning to stretch each naira like a seasoned entrepreneur. From the purchase of my groceries to school expenses. Seriously , I began to feel like every expense I made was a well calculated investment in my future.
Managing my money wasn't the only lesson I learnt about being independent; the freedom to make my own choices was another one. Whether it was joining a student organisation or pursuing a passion project, I realised each decision I took based on my future was all left for me. And if it was the wrong one then I'll face the consequences alone.
Yet, amidst the brouhaha of my newfound freedom and independence, there were moments I doubted myself if I could do it alone. I was very uncertain about some actions. Especially the times when the weight of my own responsibility threatened to overwhelm me. The broken days. It was during these dark nights of my soul that I realised that the quality friends you make can be of huge help when you're down. I drew strength from their words of encouragement and wisdom. And together, we weathered the storms.
Of course I don't regret anything. I'm confident in getting stronger independently.
That's what you need to continue the journey of independency, confidence. Because it's path is not easy at all, we just try to be the best we can be while at it.
Sure.
The best is what we aim for. Thank you for reading