THINGS REMEMBERED: From Pampered Boy To Self-Made Man

I remember the days when life seemed effortless. Back in secondary school, I was over pampered. I was a day student, yet my father made sure I was always driven to school by a driver. I had two maids assigned to me, ensuring that everything I wanted or needed was within reach. Life was sweet, easy, and, in many ways, a little too comfortable. I rarely worried about responsibility or discipline; someone was always there to handle the complex parts.

Then came university, and everything changed. Suddenly, I was on my own, without the comforts I had grown used to. Initially, I was unsure of what I was doing. I was drawn to the excitement of campus life—the parties, socialising with girls, and spending money without much consideration. The freedom was intoxicating, and I surrendered to it completely.

It wasn’t long before reality caught up with me. At the end of my first semester, I discovered I had four carryover courses. The shock was sobering. I realised that my carefree attitude had consequences, and that I needed to take responsibility for my studies if I wanted to graduate. The struggle to catch up was real. I had to learn how to manage my time, attend extra tutorials, and study consistently from the beginning of each semester.

By the time I reached the 400-level, I was still struggling with some courses, while my peers were graduating. It was humbling to see others move on while I was left behind, confronting the consequences of my earlier choices. That extra year tested my patience and determination, but it also taught me the value of resilience. I discovered the value of discipline, hard work, and perseverance—lessons I had never learned while being overindulged.

Eventually, my efforts paid off. I passed my courses and graduated with a second-class upper. By the time I reached NYSC, I was a changed person. The pampered boy from secondary school had transformed into someone who understood the meaning of responsibility and the importance of managing freedom wisely.

Looking back, I recall not just the struggles but also the lessons they taught. Those years taught me that comfort without effort can only take you so far, and that personal growth often comes through challenges we never wanted to face but desperately needed.