What is Life After School (going to be) like? Part 1
I’m not a graduate yet but as a student who is in her final year in the university, I already have a default response for the “What next after school?” question. My response is going to be “Well, maybe I should go and do ritual.” It’s funny, I know but honestly, I don’t like it when people pressure me about my future plans, especially if they don’t have the authority to do so . Being out of school and coming to terms with the fact that I’m now in the real world, left alone to face the reality of life is already enough pressure. Why are you asking me what next, let me figure things out at my own pace. Well, except you have any help to render lol.
Thinking about the shift from school to the real world, I’ve had discussions with my friends who recently graduated, and we talked about how they’re feeling overall. During these conversations, we discussed their experiences and emotions as they entered this new phase of life. They shared their thoughts on the difficulties, uncertainties, and excitement that come with such a big change. Now, let me share with you what we talked about and how they felt during this time of transition.
Maybe, just maybe, you’ll find some relief and feel less pressured.
Let’s start with “S”
S is a graduate of Modibbo Adama University (formerly known as Federal University of Technology), Yola where he earned a B.Tech degree in Industrial Chemistry.
Did You Graduate with an After-School Plan?
S: Not really, right after I finished school, my first thought was to get my original school transcript. I needed it so I could apply for scholarships. I joined many scholarship groups on social media, and when I heard about how much money I’ll be needing, I think I should focus on finding a job instead. But it’s tough because most jobs in Nigeria ask for an NYSC certificate, and I don’t have one yet.
I’m also hoping to find volunteer or internship opportunities in the industry that aligns with my career, It would give me real-world experience and also help me build connections. Another thing that made me relent is that I recently got a conditional admission offer from the University of Loughborough in the UK. But it wasn’t a fully funded scholarship so someone I know in the UK advised me to turn it down. I listened to him because accepting the offer would cost me around 5 million Naira. Honestly, Esther, I don’t even have 2,000 Naira in my bank account right now.
Do You Miss Being in the University ?
S: Please “CAPITAL LETTER NO”
I hate school and the environment as well
Why do you Hate School?
S: It was during my last year of school that I had a deep thought of how much school takes from you. From the money spent on food, handouts, and other little things you need, to the costs of taking care of yourself. School can be really draining, unless you have someone strong supporting you sha.
Let’s not even talk about the extra years ASUU and COVID added too
S: Esther, I made a promise to myself the day I left Yola that I would never set foot inside that school again. I’ve noticed that some people return to the campus to show off as alumni. Maybe if I’m invited for something in the future, it could be different, but for now, let’s not meet again.
Esther, in summary I hate school.
How did you feel when you wrote your final exam?
S: I felt like I hacked school, school didn’t hack me. I have never been so serious as when I was writing my final papers. The fear of failing and striving for a 4.0 CGPA pushed me to give it my all. I remember telling you before that I started my first year with a 3.29 CGPA in 2016 because I was inexperienced. No one had explained to me the importance of starting with a good CGPA. So, I used Twitter and explored Academic Twitter. I read many tweets about how scholarships and how a good CGPA can change one’s life for good and also how a good CGPA can help one secure those opportunities. The tweets from Ogbeni Dipo and Tunde TASH were particularly helpful then and continue to be now. These people talked about how obtaining a student visa had transformed their lives for the better.
In my sophomore year, I started taking my academics seriously, treating it as if my entire future depended on it. In a way, it truly does because not all of us will pursue vocational skills. That was the beginning of everything. It was like they added yeast to my CGPA. After I finished 400l, my CGPA rose to an impressive 3.98. I was so happy with myself and I believed that I could even do better in 500L (2022). After my undergraduate project and second-semester exams, I ended up with a CGPA of 4.08.
This was my IDAN moment in my Academics journey.
Any pressures?
S: No, but one thing I’m trying to be cautious about is unnecessary pressure from Family, Friends or Relatives.
After I came back from NYSC camp, my Dad was expecting #3M from me. He started giving me attitude after my second month at my PPA so I had to leave home during the time. He even stopped sending me money after my project defense. In fact, I had to tell them to send me transport fare when I was travelling back home from school, If not, I’ll just trek. He told my 2nd elder sister about how I wasn’t appreciative since I came back from NYSC camp.
The next day, I called him. I explained to him about the fact that I had to borrow money from friends who are already working to pay for some stuff. He actually expected me to appreciate him with my alawee but I told him that this is not the time at all. I want to make it clear that I understand my responsibility to take care of him and my mom, but I needed him to understand the challenges I was currently facing. After sharing my difficulties with him, he was left speechless. He was now telling I didn’t speak up and that he’s sorry. The next day, baba gave me #2k to hold body. I was shy to collect but I was broke.
I don’t want to suffer because of people’s expectations from me or because they’ve established standards that I must meet every single day.
Hmm. This is actually deep, I just want to enjoy and live life at my pace!
S: At my own pace!!!
One thing being a student taught you that’ll stay with you long after graduation and help you navigate through the real world?
S: This!!! I realized there is nothing in school tbh
So, school is a scam?
S: I never said School is a scam
No vex, my boss
S: What I meant is that when it comes to reading and passing your exams, there is nothing hard about it.
Tell us More
S: Exams are like tests of memory and how well you can remember what you’ve learned in a short amount of time. Being friends with intelligent students during my time in university made me realize that nobody is dull. The best graduating student in my set was actually my roommate and also my course mate. I saw how he would wake up really early, around 3 am, to go to class. It showed me that studying consistently and helping others understand the material can improve your ability to remember things faster during exams or any other academic tasks.
At this point, I think it’s safe to say I deserve my scores lol
S: In short, being a student has taught me an important lesson that I’ll remember for a long time and apply in the real world: Being prepared and staying consistent is the key to success in whatever you aim to achieve
Never be caught unprepared because life has a way of throwing challenges at us anytime.
Do you think that your life has just begun?
S: I don’t accept this is the life after school people have always talk about.
So what do you accept?
S: The one I’ve been watching on Nollywood all these years 😂😂
Regarding your question, My life has begun a long time ago. That’s why I decided to go school despite many situations I found myself. The little things we have done all through those years are what accumulated to this day. One mantra I’m going with is “Plan for tomorrow, Live for today!
Do you think there’s something you could have done better that would have made your life after school experience a more figured out one?
S: Not at all. I’m glad I was able to know myself earlier. I know I can’t do two things together. If I had tried juggling two things together, my academic performance would have suffered.
How do you feel when people ask “what next after school?”
S: I don’t feel bad about it, I feel normal. I believe for you to ask such question, perhaps you have vital information for me. Although, I avoid people who put unnecessary pressure on me. So, if you ask me, and you have nothing to offer, I might as well swear for you. It’s uncalled for asking someone such when you know the situation of the country.
How do you feel generally?
S: Is it recently or since I left school
Since you left school
S: Since I left school, all my mood and how I feel no pass to get something. But honestly, I feel more optimistic daily because I believe whatever we allow to occur in my thinking brain, dominates our thoughts. Since I started NYSC, there was never a day I feel good about it but I won’t let that define how I feel.
This is my cue not to go for NYSC 👀. Do you think your academic experience has prepared you for the professional world?
S: First, I think we all need to inform/sensitize everyone in our community that academic experience /success doesn’t correlate with the professional or real world. After getting the necessary education, we have only defeated illiteracy, not poverty. The professional world awaits you and it can be challenging if one is not open to learning or being teachable, particularly when it comes to certain aspects of the professional world.
Do you intend to pursue a career in line with your course of study? If not, why?
S: I’d really want to pivot from the core discipline I studied in school.
I’m actually tired of school and Chemistry is hard. The sole reason I’m thinking of pivoting is based on scholarships. I’m applying to whatever science courses that’s more easier than Chemistry which I can milk on.
Maybe medicine?😉
S: Is this playing ??
Talking to S about his post-graduation experiences and emotions made me realize that people go through the “Life After School” experience differently. The challenges of navigating the real world, including financial constraints, looking for job, and family pressures. He talked about his disdain for the school environment and the realization that success in academics does not guarantee success in the professional world. Despite everything, S is optimistic and he mentioned the importance of living life at his own pace. It’s okay to be aware of present obstacles and making decisions accordingly but we should also learn to follow personal passions rather than societal expectations i.e., not letting others define our path.
Life After school is a time of uncertainties, fears and hope. It’s a journey that gives room for personal growth. Instead of putting unnecessary pressure on yourself, embrace the process, and allow yourself to grow naturally. Enjoy the journey and all the experiences it brings, knowing that it’s a time of exploration and learning.