Harvard here you come: Tips for a Cheesed-up Fresher Life
By Olufunmilola Oludare
"Remember the child of whom you are." You must have received this advice, first, from your parents and then from anyone else who cares about you and doesn't want to see you go astray. However, ‘astray’ is a mental location and you can't exactly go there. So, instead of watching your steps and keeping tabs on your mind, why not take a chill pill? After all, going astray is a fun thing to do; you get to see life in another color.
Growing up in a Yoruba home, you're likely to hear this advice in Yoruba, and honestly, it hits differently in that language; there is no better way to launch an 18-year-old into the world, than with a reminder of where they come from and where they're headed.
Now that you rep the premier University, there are untold ground rules you must learn with your heart. Think of it this way: if UI is the Harvard of Nigeria, then you need to meet up with the Harvard standard.
If you look hard enough, you would definitely see the resemblance the Fess and Bess bears with Harvard University in the US. In Harvard, the standard is high, a thousand and one make applications, there is a shift back to testing requirements, and a focus on holistic admissions beyond academic requirements. Do not also forget that Harvard is not without its swag and style, why then should you now focus on the serious part only? By now, you must have understood why you have to be pronounced worthy in character and learning before you're handed a certificate. In other words, you're expected to be an all-rounder. While your parents are eagerly awaiting updates on your academic journey, sit back and relax, these bars I'm about to drop will keep you moving. Walk with me.
First, you must understand that this is your time to rub shoulders with your friends in private schools, you're on par, if not ahead. It is hard enough that you saw depths of shege while you were preparing for the school’s post utme and even harder that you will see deeper depths of shege now that you have been admitted. Harvard is not a place where you sleep your way into school but you have sacrificed more than enough. A little vacation from anything that will stress you will not hurt. Besides, your parents do not have to know, it is enough that you made it into harvard. Although you have to work to earn your medals, you must prepare hard to secure your spot and even harder to keep your place. It doesn't stop you from waltzing in and out of a few clubhouses and suya spots at night.
In Harvard, scholars boku, no be play play but as omo lile, you no go fold. Maintain maximum composure and bow to no one. Don't shrink into the background just because there are brainiacs around. You sef no small, it is not about them, this game is yours to play. Who says you can't put your happiness first and still ace your courses? It might sound impossible but, there is no harm in trying.
Soon, you would begin to hear whispers of 7 am - 7pm classes, non-stop tests and back-to-back exams that will leave the worst eye bags on your face. Don't fret, it's all a part of the Harvard experience. Do not give much thought to GES courses, just like a needle, they sting hard but they are not big, so why worry about these small thorns when there are various measures to keep your head afloat? Consider TDBs with a plate of rice and turkey, and in case you're not a night owl, MTNs (Morning till night) with shawarma and pizza will be just fine. I doubt they even work this hard in Harvard but Harvard comes in different shapes and sizes. All you need to do is look past the odds while you munch away your 3-months allowance in one week. Trust me, your body will thank you.
Like I mentioned earlier, you need to look beyond the odds, beyond the problems of Nigeria, beyond the woes of accommodation, and the fact that, Asuu might one day decide to cut off the euphoria that comes with finally leaving home to be in school, then you would see the likeness between UI and Harvard. The lines are not so blurred that you cannot see.
I would have said you should take 20 minutes everyday to think about Book of life. But, don't you think it is too early to preach this gospel? Maybe it is but then, consider the possibility of struggling to at least catch a hang of the lecturer’s material in the 10th week and while exams lay in wait for you, the same lecturer decides to finish the course outline in a week. In the end, na who first read go first forget, do not succumb to any form of pressure from your friends and roommates to start reading early. Never do such a thing!
It will also surprise you to know that in this Harvard, ‘Harvard’ is a reach, you fit no experience am. Do not be stuck in that zone where you get busy with work that you don't get to experience Harvard before you leave. Life is generally short but life in Uni is shorter and you can't relive it.
To my Queens, welcome to the Hall of Classy Women. Make sure you fit into the class and never do less. Occasionally, you might find reasons to deny that you're in Harvard, but hold on to your conviction.
Dear fresher, consider this your unofficial welcome party. After your parents' advice, this is probably the realest you'd get. For now, keep it simple and stay cheesed up!
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