Two years ago, I was in my second year in university. This was a time when we would rush to class for lectures, presentations, and surprise tests. We took many courses, and it was very difficult to cover all the topics in each course. I always looked forward to 400 level - the last and final year. I admired the final-year students. I had a few of them on my contact list, and they were always happy to be in their final year. They would post pictures of themselves with the caption, "My last year in the university." I often heard stories about how they attended lectures less frequently. While 200-level students took 11 courses, 400-level students only took four. So, attending fewer lectures was understandable. They spent most of their time at home - in their hostels - doing whatever they liked, while we 100, 200, and 300-level students attended lectures under the scorching sun.
Seeing my seniors happy, I concluded that 400 level is the easiest of all four levels, so every day, I always looked forward to the day when I'd finally become a final-year student. One year passed, and I was in 300 level- a step closer. I survived all-nighters, surprise tests, presentations, and lecturers under the scorching sun. Every time I felt like breaking down, I consoled myself with this: “You are almost a final-year student, Justfavour. You are a step closer to 400 level.” So, I got up on my feet and tried again. I cleaned the dust off my back, buckled my shoes, and started grinding again. I did these things over and over again. I pushed further until the last day. I was the happiest person on earth on my last day as a 300-level student.
Finally, I passed my 300-level exams with flying colors. The doors to the 400 level opened wide for me, and I saw my imaginary friends welcome me with a sweet voice, “Welcome to your final year, Justfavour. We have been waiting for you.” I finally made it to 400 level- the last lap and the least stressful level. At least, that's what I thought. Gradually, reality dawned on me, leaving me in shock to think about what I’d always believed in. “Is this the same 400 level I had always looked forward to get to? It is true that the courses are fewer and we go to school less frequently than we did when we were in 100, 200, and 300 level, but the stress is on another level. In 200 and 300 level, I did more than 7 courses. But in 400 level, I'm taking just 4 courses. Unlike the previous levels, I go to school 2-3 times a week. Pretty interesting, right?
I always thought 400 level was the easiest, but now that I'm there and a final year student, I boldly say that 400 level is the most difficult of all. The most stressful part is the project. In my department, every student has to work on a project in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Bachelor's Degree. So, basically, there are five chapters. Now, imagine working on two chapters that cover about 25 pages, only for your supervisor to turn them down and ask you to edit them all over again. That's the situation I'm currently in. Everything has become so overwhelming, and I hope I overcome this phase soon.
Images in this post are mine.
Thanks for reading.
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