When reality dawns on you…..
The excitement in the air was palpable. It was their last paper as finalists in this prestigious university. Lekan, who had always been a sober person felt it also. The smiles on the face of his coursemates were contagious, but couldn’t shake an unsettled feeling. After graduation what next? He had always asked himself that question. He had no connections, his parents barely managed to sponsor his education, he had neither the means to start up a business nor learn a skill. What could he do….. Where would he start from? His relatives were non-existent as they only cared about themselves. He had always been a religious person, yes he hoped on God but he had to start something. He couldn’t forget one of his uncles the only graduate in his father’s family who had nothing to show for himself. He didn’t want to be like that. He could neither go back home for fear of shame nor stay long on campus doing nothing. He had someone to help him with his clearance, as for his NYSC (national youth service corps) where is he going to gather expenses for that?.
Sheltered in an environment like the campus and being among his peers, he had all but forgotten about reality, about the future and what it holds for him. This time, no more incessant requests of billing his parents about books or needs to settle. He was a man now and on his own. His parents would be skeptical of him, if he asks them for any money now. It was time to leave frivolities aside and start earning for himself. He envied some of his mates who had opportunities he never did. But it was no time to sulk as he must lick his wounds and make a plan for himself. There was an online platform called phenom. He heard a lot about it but hasn’t done anything because of fear of being duped. This was not his first time engaging in something like this so he had decided to wait it out and see where it goes. However, he couldn’t wait again, situation demands he does something. After all, success comes after failure as every motivational speaker would say.
He had to look for where he could borrow money and start this online business. After that, he would go and look for a job in these prestigious schools around and could even get private lessons. He was quite brilliant and confident in his skills so he knew that he could get a tangible salary when he starts. From there who knows, God could connect him to someone and his way may just open. This would definitely be enough for the budget concerning his youth service and even save up for the future.
Oh yes, he had everything sorted out. All these he pondered on as he sat in a corner waiting like his mates for the students writing exam in the hall to round up for them to write theirs. His mood changed as he appeared more confident with a smile on his face, went into the hall to write his last paper.