Patrick checked his time for the umpteenth time, it was just 6.03am. He got up from the bed, at least he could start preparing for class without getting those weird looks from Collins.
It was the first day of school, Patrick and Collins were first year students in the university but unlike Patrick who gained admission immediately after secondary school, Collins had tried severally before finally securing admission this year.
Collins was not as excited as the young Patrick who woke up as early as 4 am and didn't sleep back. He even ironed his shirt again after having ironed it last night.
Patrick was ready before 6.45 but waited till 7am before waking Collins.
"You will be late for the first class, it's already 7 o'clock"
Collins yawned, "young man, I don't understand your ginger o, class is by 8 and the lecture hall is just down the road. I hope this your enthusiasm carries you far o"
He got up and began to prepare for school.
The two young men walked to class a few minutes to 8 o'clock but on entering the lecture hall, Collins headed for a seat at the back while Patrick went straight to the front row. They were among the first to arrive and Patrick did not understand why Collins ignored all the empty seats in front, he was contemplating distancing himself from Collins because he seemed like the bad influence which his parents warned him against.
Soon, more students filled the class and occupied all the seats until a few did not find a place to sit and had to stand up. At exactly 8 o'clock an elderly man walked majestically into the class wearing an ash suit and carrying a laptop on his left hand.
"Good morning class, my name is Prof. Ebenezer, popularly called Prof. Eben", he said looking around the class. He seemed to be looking at every face one after the other.
"I will be taking you guys on Bio 101", he paused and looking at Patrick who was sitting directly in front of him he said "young man, tell me what you know about Darwin's theories on evolution".
There was silence. The students were surprised, "he hasn't even taught anything, why is he asking a question" they wondered.
Patrick was caught off guard,there was no chance to browse his phone and he could not keep wasting the Prof's time, "I..I ddd...don't know" he stammered.
"What do you mean you don't know? How can a first year student not know this simple question? The standard of education has dropped, how did you manage to secure admission if you don't know this simple question". The man went on an on.
"The front seat is for the bright students, if you know you can't answer simple questions, please don't come to the front next time", he said angrily. "I will pardon you because it's our first meeting".
Prof Eben pointed at the guy next to Patrick and he answered the question satisfactorily.
"A round of applause for him", he ordered the class.
"You are not clapping", he said looking at Patrick. "You can't answer the question and you can't encourage those who can answer. It seems you were forced to come to the university".
At the end of the class, Patrick was not happy. He had to leave because he could not continue with the second class. Collins saw him leaving and rushed to meet him.
"Wassup bro, don't mind that man, many of them are like that and before the week runs out, we would have all had our own share of insults. Ok? Cheer up and don't go yet"
Patrick was not going to be encouraged. "I know how I looked forward to my first day in school but now I can't just wait for it to end. I can't continue, I have to go to the hostel now".
"Alright bro, I understand, let's go together, I don't even have interest in the next class" Collins said.
They left together, forfeiting the remaining lectures for the day but unknown to Collins, Patrick had sworn in his heart not to attend any class again.
A few days later, Patrick decided to visit the library. Since he does not go to class anymore, studying in the library was the least he could do so as not to fail.
On getting there, he saw thousands of books. It was nothing like the library in his secondary school that had no books, you have to bring the book you want to read.
He sat down on a table that had two big books.
He heard footsteps approaching, he turned and saw an elderly man coming towards him. He dragged the bigger book closer and opened it, pretending to read so as to impress the man.
"Wow! The reading culture is not dead afterall", the man exclaimed. He wore a tag that bore the word "Librarian" boldly written on it and he was visibly impressed with Patrick. "You are the first student coming to the encyclopedia section this semester and you are even reading about the ancient philosophers".
"Yes sir, I love reading about them", Patrick lied.
"Oh! Wonderful. So which is your favorite? Aristotle, Socrates or Plato?" The man asked.
Patrick did not know any of them but he had to play along. "Socrates is my favorite but I also love Plato".
"That means you must have read..."
"I am coming sir, let me get some water. I am thirsty", Patrick said, cutting the man short so as to escape his ignorance being exposed.
Outside, he bought his favorite Fab biscuit and a bottled drink.
"Hey! Aren't you coming for the class?" a voice asked from behind.
He turned and it was the guy who answered the question about Charles Darwin from the first class.
"I am coming", he lied trying to dismiss the guy.
"I observed you have not been coming for classes since that incidence", the boy said. "Hope it's not because of Prof Eben's wahala"
"Not at all, I was already on my way to the class. I just stopped to buy biscuit and drink", Patrick insisted. "Let's go".
On getting to the class, Patrick went straight to the back seat while the guy went to the front, he knew why Patrick would avoid sitting in front.
Soon, the lecturer came in. A middle aged woman with slender build. She looked like all her life was spent reading.
"Good morning class, My name is Dr. Stella and I would be taking you guys on the Social sciences". She began. "Who can mention one philosopher they know?" She asked no one in particular.
The class was silent, she looked around hoping for a volunteer.
"I don't want to point, someone should rescue the class" she encouraged. Still no one came forward.
"I am running out of patience, I don't have all day", she said. "Do you mean you don't know any philosopher? Just one philosopher?
How can a class of first year students not know this simple question? The standard of education has dropped, how did you manage to secure admission if you don't know a single philosopher". She was visibly angry with the class.
Patrick wanted to answer but had flashbacks of his embarrassment from the last class so he decided to keep shut. He was however pleased that the whole class received the same insult he received.
"If I don't get answer, I will never step foot in this class again", she said.
On hearing this, Patrick raised his hand timidly.
"Yes young man, can you mention any philosopher?"
The whole class turned to the back to see the young man in question, most were surprised because they remembered him from the first class.
"Socrat..."
"Fantastic, beautiful", she screamed, cutting him short. "At least one of you deserves to be in the university. Do you know any other?"
"Plato and Aristotle", Patrick answered while praying she doesn't request for another name afterall those were the three the librarian mentioned to him.
"That's enough, I am impressed", she said. "Now we can proceed to the lecture proper".
After the class a girl walked up to him, "you may not be the sharpest tool in the shed, but you saved the class today. Thank you"
"I know right, you are welcome", he responded.
"My name is Vanessa, can we be friends?"
"My name is Patrick, sure we can be friends", he said smiling from ear to ear.
The Image is mine.
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