AS GOOD AS IT CAN GET...

Hello hive, I hope everyone is having a great week? Wishing everyone a great weekend ahead🤗.
Today wasn’t a great day or I’d say I’ve not had a great day in a long time. The littlest things piss me off recently and I’d tell you why.

I’m a History student in my second year in the university of Ilorin, Nigeria and I‘ve been out of school and academic work for over 7 months.

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I’m not out of school because my parents can’t pay my fees, neither am I out of school because I’m facing one health challenge or the other. I’m also not out of school because of crisis or security issues but I’d tell you why. I’m out of school because the government in my country is selfish. Funny right?

There’s an ongoing strike in the country where federal universities suspended academic work because we have a bad government that don’t care about its citizens when they’re not directly affected. Over 60% of Uni students in Nigeria are in federal schools which means 60% of Nigerian students are currently out of school including myself.

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I graduated secondary school in the year 2018 and it’s been 4 years but I’m still in my second year.
Most of classmates and even my juniors are graduating Uni this year and all i do is say ‘congratulations’ everytime and be happy for them. This triggers me so much and I can’t even be happy for them in peace because there’s always a reminder that my graduation isn’t even guaranteed.

CHALLENGES

As a girl in an average Nigerian home, doing house chores is one thing you can’t escape. It’s even worse now that I’m home.

Sadly, I can’t transfer to a private University to further my education at the moment because I can’t get my transcript for transfer from my school, as there’s no academic work going on because of the strike.

My mental health is in shambles and i just want to be all by myself. Being in one particular space for a long time has taken a toll on my social life because I no longer have the excitement to go out or associate with people. I’m so used to repeating the same routine daily and my room has become my best friend.

I used to be a picture freak but I no longer have the enthusiasm to dress up and take some pictures.

_{me before Asuu strike}

_{how I look now😂}

How do I explain to my Nigerian parents when I have a mental breakdown and I can’t do chores if they don’t see it as me making excuses or being lazy?

It’s triggering when I decide to step out because it’s one unsolicited advice or the other from older individuals.
Making statements like “why aren’t you learning a skill during this break”, “you’re wasting your time at home”, “you’re lazy”. I know learning a skill is a good one, but not everyone wants to become an entrepreneur and people just need to get their degrees. They end up blaming the students and not the bad government itself.

Academically, a lot of students are backwards and are gradually losing interest in continuing education, including myself.

MY COPING MECHANISM

I’m thankful to my friend @samostically for introducing me to Hive. It’s a new source of distraction for me and I can say my mental health gets better daily.

I was a bit uninterested at first as I’ve been for every other thing, but I’m thankful he didn’t give up on me and helped me get on here. I now look forward to creating more contents, making posts and even making more friends in the community.

My passion for crocheting deteriorated as regards to the constant mental breakdowns, but I have the zeal to start again because I look forward to participating more in #needleworkmonday so I definitely have to create more pieces which has unlocked a different part of creativity on the inside.

My chores are lesser because my parents think I’ve got a full time job on hive when i told them about it lol. I no longer have to wake up early to do all the sweeping.

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I also try to console myself with the ideology that things happen for a reason and you can make the best out of every situation. I can attest to this as I’m more productive and even happier now.

My heart goes out to every Nigerian student on here that’s going through this phase as well. Know that It’s normal to feel sad and unproductive sometimes. I’m sending plenty of virtual hugs if you’re triggered by this and I just want to let you know that you’re not alone. You’re doing well for yourself and things will get better.

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Hopefully our country and government would get better and we can all return to school soon enough!

THANK YOU FOR READING