Chaiii... 😂

If only I could have looked into the future and seen what was ahead, I would have planned much better.

Back in my 100 Level, while I was still living in the school hostel, every time I travelled home, I returned with one big Ghana-Must-Go bag filled with different kinds of foodstuffs.

My beloved Nsukka foods are not easy to find in Owerri. In fact, I searched and searched in different markets, I couldn't find. So anytime I went home, I made sure I bought enough to last until my next trip.

My roommates used to laugh me each time I return with heavy loads of food items. Yet, they will be the one to enjoy the foods the most. 😂

Back then, food items were still affordable. Transport companies didn't charge heavily for luggage like they do now. These days, they can practically cut off your head with the amount they charge for a small load. 😂

Life was at least okay in my first year.

I ate well.

I paid for textbooks immediately they were required.

Whenever a departmental or school bill came up, I settled it without much delay.

I had less to worry about.

At that time, I honestly thought every level would be like that.

Then came 200 Level.

My eyes started opening small small. I began to realise that this university journey was much longer than I had imagined.

I started skipping meals some days just to save money.

I reduced many things I normally enjoyed. 

My money management skills increased.

School bills that I used to pay immediately now had to wait because the money simply wasn't there anymore.

Then came 300 Level.

That year almost finished me.

It was the year I nearly ran mad from pressure.

I stayed hungry many times because I had no choice.

Even when money entered my account, it disappeared immediately into debts, textbooks, departmental payments, and other pressing needs.

That level taught me that I either became stronger or gave up.

It tested my faith.

It tested my patience.

It tested my values.

It tested my discipline.

It even tested my reason for continuing.

Then came 400 Level, and with it came a little relief.

I went for my Industrial Training in the second semester, and for five whole months, I enjoyed a break from the daily stress of school.

For the first time in a long while, I could breathe without constantly thinking about what to eat, lectures, assignments, tests, or another unexpected payment. I was out of the school environment and could put my mind to rest.

It was my best and less stressful session.

Now, here I am in Final Year, and this level has come with its own responsibilities.

Final year project.

Supervisor's demands.

Final examinations.

And every other thing that comes with trying to cross the finish line.

Looking back today, I honestly don't know how I made it this far. 

I never knew what each new level would bring. I couldn't see beyond where I was.

But one thing I never did was stop moving.

I kept adapting.

I kept believing.

I kept showing up.

My journey in FUTO is nothing short of God's sustaining grace.

Sometimes I sit quietly and ask myself,

"So... you've actually made it this far?"

With all the struggles...

With all the setbacks...

With all the tears...

With all the fears...

I never failed a course.

I never had a carryover.

I became my own source of encouragement.

My future became my daily motivation.

But above everything else...Nah God do am.

So, why am I sharing this story?

Because this story is for YOU.

Maybe you've just started a new job.

Maybe you're planning to further your education.

Maybe you've been thinking about starting a business.

Maybe there's a dream you've carried in your heart for years, but fear keeps telling you not to begin because you're unsure how everything will work out.

I understand that feeling.

I truly do.

If I've been able to come this far, you can also go farther.

The difference is that you can even do better than I did.

Plan well.

Prepare yourself.

Keep learning.

Stay consistent.

Believe in yourself.

And when everything is not yet perfect, start anyway.

Many times, the courage to take the first step is what makes the rest of the journey possible.

The world is waiting to celebrate your story too.

The future is greater. ❤️

.

I am DeLight, a Ghostwriter and Storywriter. ✍️❤️

#ItCanOnlyGetBetter