It was just 6 months ago, I sat in the school's restaurant wondering when I'll move to the next phase of life. A phase where I don't have to run to 8am classes while holding a book and a pen, one where I don't have to incessantly struggle to keep rapt attention to that one boring lecturer who cares about nothing but his paycheck. A phase where I could be the boss of myself without thinking of medical college.
"Emeka, wake up!" A soft feminine voice muttered, it was Amaka, my close friend.
I woke up, looking confused, I saw inaudible laughters on faces that seemed blur. I turned around to understand what was happening but every face I saw had an awkward glare while mouthing words I could neither hear not understand - My brain seemed to have been in a sleep-recovery mode.
"Stand up! Come to the front." I heard another voice say.
This time, my brain instinctively restored and It occured to me that I was caught in the act! The act of sleeping during an important one-hour surgery lecture.
"Are you deaf?" His deep masculine voice resonated throughout the hall, creating a wave of silence. I couldn't hear the murmurs or laughter anymore.
"Please hurry up." He added. It was Dr. Eze's voice!
I walked uncomfortably towards the front, struggling to keep my legs together as they shook, almost like I lost control of them.
"Stand here, face this way" He said, pointing at a specific spot as I got close to him.
I stood, looking sideways, away from the prying eyes of my classmates.
"I said look at them!!" He aggressively turned my head towards the class as though I were in high school. The whole class burst into laughter, the kind of laughter that makes you really irritated and annoyed.
"Silence please!!" He said jamming his hands together.
"What is the definitive surgical treatment for a child with hernia?"
I knew the day for disgrace was upon me. I looked around, rolling my eyeballs in a circular motion hoping someone would silently mouth the answer but I met blank faces.
"Herniorapphy!" I quickly uttered with so much confidence you would think I knew what I was saying.
"Herniorapphy?" Dr. Eze repeated, raising his eyes to the ceiling as though he was confused - I guess that's what confidence can do.
"It's herniotomy not herniorapphy, herniorapphy is for adults." He responded while glaring at my blunt straight face.
"Go back to your seat, don't sleep again in my class."
I thought he was going to crack a joke as he always did but surprisingly, he didn't.
I got into my room after the wasted day at the classroom, picked up my surgery textbook to read as my final year exams were just around the corner. My stomach rumbled, then I realized... I hadn't had a meal.
"My God!! I just need to graduate." I muttered to myself. This was my motto as I always said it when I'm weary or just fed up.
I got to the restaurant where I got another big surprise yet again.
"Dr. Emeka! Dr. Emeka!! Emeka!!!"
Everyone who sat for a meal cheered my name while laughing - a subtle way of making a joke about what happened in the classroom.
I scoffed and walked past as though I didn't hear a thing.
"Please can I have jollof rice and salad?" I told the chef at the counter. While heading for a seat, I suddenly slid backwards "Before I forget, please don't include meat."
Mrs Tressy laughed "Peter you're really funny." Mrs Tressy, the chef, said while smiling. She was the only one who addressed me as 'Peter.'
"I'm tired, just serve the meal already." I said, forcing a slight smirk on my face.
"You seem really cold these days, what's the problem?"
"Nothing, I'm just tired of school stress, I need to relax, eat, sleep read a novel or write a story without having to think about college."
"You're already at the end, just few months and you're done!"
After my meal, I went back to my room plugged my earpiece into my ears and burnt the midnight candle — my normal routine. The cycle continued over... and over.
Months passed by, and there I was sitting in a restaurant, only this time, it wasn't in school. I had a drink with my friends as we reminisced our funny moments in school. We all laughed and made jokes as I wrote a story about our days as medical students, our days of uncertainty... Our days of struggle.
I suddenly remembered Mrs. Tressy's words:
"You're already at the end."
I wore a smile on my face and for the first time in years, I was in my own space as snug as a bug in a rug.
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Reminiscing on our past is a good way to appreciate our achievements. The school days and struggles are now memories and you've achieved your goals. Nice story
That's a beautiful word from Mrs Tressy. School can really get to us sometimes. It is nice knowing you sailed through it. Well done.
I remember having this feeling like I need to finish this school and have a rest. Happy it all went well for you. Nice story
There is so much effort and sacrifice in what we set out to do, but in the end everything has its reward and that suffering leads us to the light.
Thanks for sharing your experience with us.
Excellent Thursday.