A Triumph Amidst Trials: My Graduation Day Saga

The harder the struggle, the sweeter the victory…

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I’ll never forget the wave of joy and satisfaction that enveloped me as I took my place in the front row among my fellow graduands, dressed in my graduation gown, sash, and cap. I had anticipated this day as far back as the first time I ever set foot into the prestigious University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus.

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As a former nursing student studying a five year course, it is guaranteed that at some point you start to feel like you’re never going to leave or get to the end.

At several points in my educational journey, I felt like I was getting too old for school 😅, even though I’m 23. And coupled with the pandemic and the various strike actions, my journey was definitely delayed by at least a year.

But as the Lord may have it, August rolled around, and I took my final nursing exams and defended my degree project. Months and other professional exams later, we finally fixed a date for the induction of the class of 2022 into the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria!

To say it was exciting would be a large understatement. As I got to the venue, I felt an immense sense of pride at the sight of my amazing classmates. It is difficult to put down in words, but we all wore this uniform facial expression that said, “We actually did it!”

I continuously dragged each and every classmate of mine I came across into a warm hug and congratulated them. After taking pictures with friends and loved ones, we assembled in a long line and filed into the event hall.

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The ceremony took off with the introduction of dignitaries and the hosts. And then we sang our school anthem and the nursing anthem. Not gonna lie, I shed a few tears at the thought of that being the last time I would be with my friends.

Then one of the lecturers on the high table gave a lecture on a topic. Awards were given out to those who merited them. The atmosphere was filled with happiness and peace. Our DJ took the vibes up a notch, and we all danced and laughed.

In total, the event lasted for 4 hours, and by 3 p.m., the MC concluded the event, and we all scrambled out of the hall in a scurry to find our various reception stands. That was the real reason for the occasion.

This is where things seemed to almost take a turn for the worst. Since my mom and siblings couldn’t make it, I had to plan my reception myself on short notice and with a small budget. In a bid to find my stand, I called the guy in charge of my canopy, but he didn’t pick up. Then I called again, and again he eventually switched off his phone.

Then I began to panic. Where would my small number of guests sit down? They had begun calling me to ask for the location of my stand. Anxiety threatened to take over me; is this how my day would be ruined? I would have abandoned it all together if not for the very good friend I had by my side.

Me🥰	My Cousins & I	My good friend

He helped keep me level headed and calm while I looked for a solution. Eventually, I was able to put some chairs and tables together. I then got the food I paid for delivered to my stand. And in no time, my guests arrived.

Granted, they consisted of my three cousins, two of my former roommates while in school, and some other random acquaintances. I’m happy I got to spend that time with people I loved, and I got to serve them food and drinks.

We all talked, laughed, and had a great time. At the end of the day, I bid my guests farewell and found my way back home.

My graduation day remains solidly ingrained in my memory...

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