SCHOOL LIFE

I arrived on Saturday as school commenced on Monday. In the girls’ hostel my block was Blue House and I made a few friends among the girls who slept on the upper bunk bed and two others in same hostel. One of them was our senior and we were lucky to have the house prefect in our group. Yemi was the same age as me at 14, Nana 12 years old and Uche was 11 years old. I was glad Yemi and I were same age because it meant I wasn’t alone as the old­est in the first year of junior secondary school.

While unpacking my things, trying to get my night gown from my suitcase, I saw my mother’s wrapper neatly ironed and folded in it. I was moved with emotion when I thought of my new mother and her consideration. I knelt down and prayed for Aunty Agatha my new mother. I prayed for my family and friends everyday.

I was never bullied at school, my friends and school mother, the head girl made sure I didn’t fall into wrong hands. The matron was also there to see to my needs. Sometimes I went with my classmates to visit my teacher, my school guard­ian. I could confidently say that Aunty Agatha took great care to ensure that I did not lack any­thing while at boarding school. I did well in all me exams. I excelled in my junior secondary ex­ams and opted for science subjects in senior sec­ondary, as I still nurtured my dream of becoming a neuro-surgeon.

I was aware of the lack of good primary health care, particularly in the rural areas. The thought that the rich are often flown abroad for treatment while the poor had to make do with the poor health facilities available brought much pains to my heart. The rapid growth of miracle healing centers and their publicity to cure people who are physically, financially and spiritually sick is quite alarming. In my quiet moments, I often wondered how if things were properly done and corruption eschewed from our country, there would be no need to go looking for miracle centers.

 In our boarding school I became a member of the choir and volunteered to play the piano. Life in school was very interesting and exciting. My favourite game was basketball. Though I was not a good player I loved the sport. I always looked forward to the Visiting Days. On such occasions, Aunty Agatha would prepare a delicious meal for us to enjoy at lunch time and also pack some gifts for my friends. I would sit next to her to catch up with family gists and share many jokes.