An euphoric moment for a Sociology student on the verge of breakdown

Simisola didn't want to resume this semester. She's a UITE and a resident of the Obafemi Awolowo hall, popularly known as Awo hall. She is a 100-level student from the department of Sociology, The Faculty of the Social Sciences and lately life has been nothing but work, work, work. She planned to stay at home for a month despite the recent holiday stipulated for 2 weeks. She wanted to relax and recover from the stress of the last semester. She didn't however, as she panicked at the sight of the first timetable. She rushed to school after her holiday of 3 weeks only for her to attend just one class the second week after resumption (her first week anyway). All others were cancelled, postponed, or changed as the first timetable wasn't the final one. The pain was indescribable, “ I should have just stayed home”, she says. That was the first straw.

The third week came with an influx of classes. Back-to-back. Some came as early as 8am. Some, she left as late as 7pm. She was tired most of the time, and she was moody and quiet a lot. It was taking a toll on her. After classes, she walked back to her hall. Worst of all, she had no one to talk to. She couldn't make friends and was too tired to try. The semester has just begun but she was already overwhelmed. She cries, “I just want to go home”. A year ago, she was excited to be part of those aspiring to be a UITE and now it seems like a bittersweet tale. This was the second straw.

Another week arrived and Simisola was sad at how quickly the weekend bade her goodbye. She looked at the coming week with pessimism and said within herself, “It's going to be a long week”. She thinks of all the activities and worst of all, having to decide what to eat and actually making it. Don't even get her started on the petty but exhausting quarrels she went through with one of her roommates frequently. This was the third straw and it broke the camel's back as she burst into tears just thinking of it, silently looking to God for help.

One day, while in front of the LLT, Chika, her coursemate and hallmate sits beside her as they wait for their next class and fortunately a conversation ensues. Simi's attempt at starting up a conversation succeeded when she shyly mentioned Hilda Baci's new attempt at a world record and how she wished she were home because her house in Lagos was close by. They went into other matters, joked, laughed, became properly acquainted, and then Chika says, “This new timetable is not smiling on”. Simi agrees and shares a bit of her ordeal. Chika encourages her and even offers to give her dinner that day. It was an unexpected blessing and Simi was elated. This was the start of an exciting journey. They walked home together, and Chika introduced Simi to some of her acquaintances and they became more familiar with each other as the days went by. They even went to JAW WAR together. They spoke up and stood up for their hall and to their expectations, they won the first round. They won and she won.

Slowly the straws were taken off and the burden became light. She experienced euphoria and looked at each coming week with expectations of great things.

It is very important that you speak to someone who can help when you feel overwhelmed. It could be a coursemate, lecturer, or coordinator. Don't do life alone. It will drain you.

The Department of Sociology, UI is always here for you.