Huhm, of a truth, I do wonder what life would have actually looked like if I had gone to a different higher institution. When I gained admission into a polytechnic, it wasn't easy at all; I even thought that it was just a temporary stop. Just until something better would come my way, nobody actually wanted me too. My parents did all they could; even after my ND program, they didn't want me to continue in a polytechnic, but then, it happened.
When I first gained admission, I remember vividly I wasn't that happy, nor am I that sad, maybe because it was a polytechnic. I had always thought I would go to a university; I was just kind of 'unsure.' It was like life itself had rearranged my plans for me, and I just had to go for it; I couldn't wait any longer. I've been home for years seeking admission, and since this came along, it's just better to go with it.
I can very well remember my friends teasing me about going to a polytechnic. Not only that, but I can't help imagining how different everything would have been as well if I had gone to that university of my dreams. Probably, I would have studied a different course, I would have met new faces, made new friends, and joined a different fellowship. Maybe I would not have been here; maybe things would have gone faster or slower for me.... Who knows?
The various people I came across in the polytechnic did shape me in ways I never imagined. I do have a different view of people who attend a polytechnic, but when I became a student there too, I understood things differently. I met various people; some became my friends, some are presently much more than friends, and some taught me lessons I would carry with me for a long time. There I learned survival, humility, and the like. The environment isn't a fancy one, but it built me and taught me that success has nothing to do with the name of the institution you attended, but it has everything to do with the kind of person you are/you become when you're there.
I won't deny the fact that at some points I do envy those that are in a university, because here in Nigeria there's still that thing about bagging a BSC and bagging an HND; well, that's a story for another day. I envy the way they live, the stories they tell, and most especially their sense of pride, like... But then, when I think about it now, I just smile. The various experiences I was able to gather while in a polytechnic are everything: the laughter, the Sapa time, the late-night readings, the days I will have to spend my entire monthly allowance on materials, the long walks, the rush to fellowship, and much more—they all add up together to be my story. I actually learned not just to see joy but also to create it even in small things, while also learning to value what I once looked down on.
If I had gone to a different school or a university, it's a sure thing I would be living a different life, different but not necessarily better. I believe each path we take has its purpose, and I believe that most times, where we find ourselves often has that version of us that destiny itself wants to work on/refine.
Looking back now, I remain grateful for my polytechnic days. Those days built me, gave me strength, and brought people my way, making me have a clearer sense of direction. Maybe not getting that which we want is the actual way to find that which we need. And who knows, maybe life actually knows better.
All pictures are mine.
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Everything happens for a reason, things would have changed if you had gone to the University, you would have made different people from the ones you met in poly, but like you said, it doesn't warrant a better life.
Exactly, you nailed it.
Thanks a lot for stopping by.
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