By Ogunyemi Kolapo Olayemi
As the campus buzzes with energy, students talk about their aspirations, challenges, and the bad habits they want to leave behind.
At the beginning of every school calendar session, Freshmen and Finalists resume with so much excitement, gusto, and alacrity. The former relish the beginning of a new chapter in their lives, adventurous and excited to be among the few opportuned to gain admission into the first and the best. The latter (finalists), ironically, can’t wait to leave. Terminal-year students are in high spirits as this marks their final session at the university.
“I’m excited about this exit,” says Anne, a 400-level student. “I really want this chapter to run through fast.
Meanwhile, the new entrants, popularly known as Freshers, are over the moon as they commence a new chapter of their lives.Benjamin, a 100-level student, said, “Getting admitted into the university is a dream come true.
“Folashade, another 100-level student, is excited about resumption. In her words, “I’m excited that I finally left home after staying seven months at home after my examinations.
“The stalites, on the other hand, have mixed reactions about resumption. Some feel indifferent.”It feels natural to be back. I believe the semester will come and go,” says Ramadiyat, a 200-level student.
Others feel energized and ready to take the session by the horns. Adegoke, a penultimate student of the department, feels prepared for the challenges ahead.In his words, “I’m bracing myself for the intensity and responsibilities this session demands.
Students’ Goals and Aspirations for the Session:
It is a norm for students to set goals at the beginning of every session to help measure their progress at the end. Some set them just for the sake of it, while others stick to their plans.
Benjamin and Folashade plan to go full throttle on academics in their first year at the university.”I want to start with good grades,” says Benjamin.
Folashade further explained explicitly how she plans to approach her studies:”Reading my slides and notes, noting each lecturer’s learning requirements, and engaging in TDB (Till Day Break reading) when necessary.
Some returning students who prefer to remain anonymous intend to explore other opportunities.”Socially, I am optimistic about joining several organizations aside from the ones I’m currently involved in. Also, I intend to use this session to practice and begin working after taking an online course,” says a 300-level student of the department.
Another returning student prefers a more relaxed approach.”I’m looking to enjoy more time alone and, in case of changes, just flow and make new plans,” he says.
Things Students Want to Do Differently:
Every student has one habit they struggle to break. When asked about a bad habit they’d like to change this session, one answer surfaced across board which is crash reading.
Anne shares her frustration:”I’ll say the bad habit I have is waiting until deadlines are close before doing things. I definitely don’t miss deadlines, but I still don’t start early.I might have three weeks to do an assignment, but I won’t take it seriously until five days to submission. I always finish before the deadline, but why wait? Why couldn’t I have started earlier?
Another 300-level student, who prefers to stay anonymous, wants to break the habit of last-minute reading.”Reading a day to an exam or test — I need to stop that!” says Ramadiyat.The school is buzzing again, students are setting goals, some are exploring new grounds, and others like Anne are savoring their last moments on campus.
However, as a Yoruba adage says, “Ìbẹrẹ kìí ṣe oníṣe, àfi ẹni tí ó ba fi orí títí dé òpin.”Loosely translated, it means: “Starters are not the ones worthy of applause; those who endure till the end deserve real praise.”The question is: Will you stick to your early session plans?Only time will tell. BOL would also tell.
