ADVENTURE OF AN AWOITE: BRING ON THE GOOD TIMES

By Rianat Ademola

It is often said that there’s no place like home. Well, dear Awoites, there is no place like the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo Hall, our home. A new semester is here, and with it comes a mix of emotions. With multiple suitcases rolling in, the once-empty rooms would be filled with people. From loud shrieks and screams as roommates unite to dust-covered windows and tables, the hall is once again filled with women from various walks of life, united in one room. There’s nothing quite like the energy that comes when another academic term begins.

As we return to Awo Hall, conversely, with that excitement, we also remember the ‘shege’ that awaits us under the ‘tutelage’ of our darling hall. We are reminded that we would have to climb those stairs with our heavy loads. Whether you’re on the ground floor or closer to the heave, each woman would bear the burden of toting bags upon bags up the stairs. Don’t be quick to forget our ever-faithful tenants, rats, and unwelcome guests that do well to welcome us on our way to our different rooms. You need not wonder what they might have done to your belongings in your absence. After all, all guests must feel free and have the duty to make themselves at home.

It is no news that the Amazons of Awotopia are strong and indeed do exploit. We have endured the daily struggle of queuing for water, the stench of the toilets that seeps into our rooms, the expense of buying kerosene that drains our monthly allowance, and the challenges of climbing the flight of stairs that ache our feet. These things, and many more, make us mavericks set high upon a hill.

Despite the motherly Awo’s iron hand, we’ve learned to cherish the friends we have made in the queue, and the kerosene stove has prevented us from hurting ourselves while cooking. We are the wonder women who walk miles to campus as a sacrifice not to miss our early classes. Indeed, Maya Angelou’s “Phenomenal Woman” speaks to ladies like us, eulogizing our strength and beauty. Now that we are back to school again, let us dive into some tips for this semester. Shall we?

Be positive, be bold, never stop believing, be resilient, and, in fact, no gree for anybody. Remain positive-minded in your attitude towards yourself, academics, relationships, and life in general. Be courageous because you are your number one supporter, and be ready to jump on new opportunities and take chances. The words of William Churchill should resound in your mind: “We are masters of our fate; that the task that has been set before us is not above our strength; that its pangs and toils are not beyond my endurance. As long as we have faith in our own cause and an unconquerable will to win, victory will not be denied us.”

Prioritize; don’t lose focus. This semester is full of activities, and the realities of how swiftly it goes by only hit us when exams are fast approaching. So you’re never caught unaware, set priorities before you get overwhelmed. There is a quote that says, “One of the most powerful life skills and one of the most important to hone and develop for both professional and personal success is creating clear outcomes.” Be aware of and clear about what you want to achieve. Set boundaries and structures, and make a well-thought-out plan. Often, the only way to achieve clear-cut results is to come back to your blueprint.

Don’t give up. Never regret your past; embrace it as the teacher that it is. The wisdom of this statement was quoted by Robin Sharma in his book, The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari. The twists and turns of life in totality make up the things that shape and grow you. It would be mere wishful thinking to expect each week of this semester to be rosy and full of sunshine. Yet, despite whatever may come, refuse to give up. The real victory is when you remain dogged and preserve.

All in all, bring on the good times! With the myriad of activities, events, gyrations, elections, and, least I forget, the legendary “Hall Week’, there definitely won’t be a dull moment. Welcome to the second semester, Awoites!!