**Back then in secondary school, whenever I heard people talk about university life, it always sounded like freedom — a place where you get to enjoy life, catch cruise, and live without stress. I always imagined how sweet it would be, having my own space, no morning assembly, no strict teachers monitoring your every move. But now that I'm here as a medical student, I realize that imagination is different from reality.
Back then in secondary school, whenever I heard people talk about university life, it always sounded like freedom — a place where you get to enjoy life, catch cruise, and live without stress. I always imagined how sweet it would be, having my own space, no morning assembly, no strict teachers monitoring your every move. But now that I'm here as a medical student, I realize that imagination is different from reality.
Medical school is a journey that tests not just your intelligence but your mental strength. Waking up as early as 4:30 am just to prepare for 7 am lectures — because if you come late, attendance will be marked zero. Lectures that can last for hours without break, moving from one hall to another with heavy textbooks that almost break your back. After lectures, instead of going to rest, it's straight to practical sessions that will still keep you standing for hours.
And the funniest part is, you're spending money almost every day. Today, it's lab coat, tomorrow it's chemicals, next tomorrow it's practical manuals. If it's not "buy this," it's "submit that." The billing never stops. School fees on one side, departmental charges on another side – everything just dey choke.
Night class has automatically become part of life because if you don't read, failure is certain. The way the lecturers set their questions, even Google no fit help you. You just have to study hard and pray harder. Every day is a struggle between trying to pass and trying not to break down.
Another thing that makes it harder is the dress code. Corporate dressing every day — shirt, trousers, tie, shoes — whether rain or sun. Sometimes I look at myself in the mirror and ask, "Who send me message?" But deep down, I know why I'm here. The dream to wear that white coat one day, the dream to make mama proud, and the vision of a brighter future keeps me going.
University life is not the paradise I once imagined, but I've come to understand that every great journey comes with sacrifices. The stress is too much, but I believe one day everything will pay off.
The goal is to make mama proud, and failure is not an option.
