New Beginnings

This is an open letter addressed to my family, friends and fans (I’ve been told it’s time I accept that I have “fans”). Ever since I started at university in Nigeria back in 2012 I’ve made quite a name for myself, simply by being myself. I joined sports teams, joined the choir, got involved with Student politics; amidst several other extra-curricular activities, and still managed to maintain a healthy academic life. I was just ‘doing me’ so I didn’t realize when people started to watch me or imitate me like my hairstyles - which I found to be very flattering, I must say.

After a short while, I began planning events and hosting shows, which was so much fun! Every show was a challenge, most especially ABUAD Top Model Season 1 – I was hosting alongside the effervescent Denrele Edun himself! 

I thoroughly enjoyed myself during these opportunities, and I thank every single organiser who has ever invited me to host or plan an event at this school, including the University’s Founder, who allowed me to be the first student co-host of the founder’s dinner during the 2014 convocation ceremonies, which had very highly decorated guests from all around the world.

Now that it’s the Nigerian university awards season, it became clearer to see that people had noticed me on campus; in one year alone I’ve received:

·      Campus Heat Awards Nomination for ‘Most Knowledgeable Student (female)’ (ABUAD) Award

·      Prodigie Image Recognition Awards Nomination for “Most Influential Student” (ABUAD) Award

·      Prodigie Image Recognition Awards Nomination for “Take Home to Mama” (ABUAD) Award

I’m thoroughly humbled by the recognition; it goes to show that people notice you even if they don’t tell you so.

Now, to the main reason why I’ve written this blogpost: for reasons best left undisclosed, I have decided to leave ABUAD. Over the last few weeks I have faced trials that I cannot explain, and I feel it will shadow the remaining years of my stay in the institution, which would hinder my ability to flourish.

My choice to leave the university does not mean I am cutting ties with the wonderful people I’ve met there; there are friendships that last a lifetime, I’m grateful to be able to say I’ve made such friendships whilst I was at the school. From the short, summarized biography of my stay in ABUAD above, it is obvious that I gained a lot as an entire person whilst there, so I cannot say I regret coming to the school based on a few weeks of negativity in comparison to years of positivity.

I believe everything happens for a reason. This chapter may be closing, but another one has opened simultaneously.

On to the next challenge.