WHO AM I

Who am I that I have been brought into this world from an unknown place by LIFE?

That I continually wish to live?

That I am so unique?

That I am very complex inside, yet so simple outside?

That I have a physical and a spiritual nature?

That I have a conscious and a subconscious mind?

That I have to go along with the rhythm of nature?

That I perceive things in either positive or negative ways?

That I make either progressive or retrogressive decisions?

That I desire for love?

That I crave for power?

That i seek wealth?

That I hate failure but embrace success?

That I keep secrets?

That I grow more mature, yet lose my beauty over time?

That I have a sense of guilt when I go wrong?

That I have faith in the SUPERNATURAL BEING?

That I tend to emulate others’ lifestyles though I am unique?

That I continually fear to die?

Who then am I that I am eventually sent away from this world to an unknown place by DEATH?

EVER WONDERED?

WHEN DECENCY DISAPPEARS

“There was good and evil, we chose both” depicts exactly what pertains in society.

On the other hand, looking at modern times, it is evident that we have dwelled so much on the latter, making perversion set in.

Corruption has reared its ugly head in society. The poor are constantly trodden upon by the rich. Government officials take no chance at enriching themselves. Some of our young ladies allow themselves to be exploited and robbed of all feminine pride. Dressing is redefined to mean near-nudity all in the name of fashion. All values are thrown to the dogs!

Should we always point accusing fingers at Western culture and its impacts on our lives when we have living consciences? Are our perspectives and beliefs meant to unanimously create socially corrupt people who have no choice than to go along with the dictates of the societies that created them?

We are all being swept along by the wind of technological advancement, bringing in its trail sophisticated crimes. Traditional values that add richness and splendour to our lives are traded for artificial intelligence thus creating the platform for hazards that have now become indelible in our everyday lives.

It is undeniably true that positive changes bring comfort and fulfilment but should decency be hanged all in the name of change?

We have experienced evil, we are still experiencing it but in the near future, will we ever like to experience it again? It is high time we chose good.

ONE DAY

After all the sleepless nights and constant prayers, I received my admission letter. My joy was beyond comprehension. Moreover, I was offered my choice in relation to my programme of study, bingo!

I reported to the Universe City on the date mentioned in my admission letter. After the struggle and frustration offered every Fresher by this new environment, I was given my room number and key. Thinking that was all, I was told to go and register at my College. In fact, that registration caused a loophole in my finances because it was not budgeted for.

I started lectures in all eagerness and with all the enthusiasm that I could gather. I even planned to revise any lecture note given to me just after the lecture but I was wrong! The religious activities were and are still staring at me. Meetings are no exceptions.

I realised I had to double up my efforts but the frustration from the lecture halls and the constant “go to the net”, “go to the library”- from the lecturers- were counteracting my efforts and time. I thought I was going to be taught but here I am being lectured.

Not long, the tests and quizzes started flooding in. I was tense most of the time and never really had time for any other thing save my books. Then, the midsemester examination came. I had no choice than to write and fight a battle for thirty per cent of my total mark at the end of the semester.

Sooner than later, I was made to render account for all the lectures that I was given throughout the semester in the end of semester exam. This exam accounted for the rest seventy per cent of my total mark.

My joy was beyond bounds when I finished writing my last paper for the semester. I went home not knowing my fate with respect to the outcome of the exam but that did not prevent me from enjoying the love and comfort of home.

Towards the end of the holidays, all my thoughts were about my first ever WA (Weighted Average). I was disappointed when the reality hit me that I performed way down my own expectation. I therefore resolved to learn harder and forego all extra curricula activities.

After my second semester holidays, I came and realised that my CWA (Cumulative Weighted Average) was not as expected. This reality set into motion the struggle for survival in my CLASS. This struggle has moved on through the years as a cycle and here I am in my fourth and final year ready to leave the four walls of the Universe City with a decorated A4-sized paper that has so much weight and value!

I just cannot wait to leave and face whatever fear or favour there is outside there. My confidence lies in the fact that the transition period that the Universe City took me through has moulded and refined me for the Herculean task ahead of me.

The ever faithful God, Almighty who is always on my side is my shield and buckler and I know I will forever be a victor wherever I might find myself after school.

Dear World, here I come!

EVERYTHING’S AN ARGUMENT

If everything’s an argument, then the piece of writing before you here is no exception.

Do the fonts used argue that “there is none better”?

What argument does Republic Hall Week Celebration make- that it is the best?

Does the Cupid call upon us to love? What about the colour RED? Is a colour ever just a colour; and what does it symbolise on Valentine’s Day?

The title of this article sums up two key assumptions we share. First, language provides the most powerful means we have for understanding the world and its systems and using that understanding to help shape our lives.

Secondly, all language- including the language of visual images or of symbol systems and writing- is persuasive, pointing in a specific direction and asking for response.

You are hereby challenged to take seriously the arguments made by everyday images and words and to recognise how such arguments permeate our lives.

Take some time and look around you. We are surrounded by texts that beckon, that aim to persuade. In short, we walk, talk and breathe persuasion very much as we breathe the air: everything’s an argument!

BE YOURSELF

Social class, status, societal standing… do these words mean anything to you? Well, various societies set various standards with well-defined boundaries and divisions for us to live in.

Most at times, we tend to sway, not being able to fully define which divisions we individually belong to. We then resort to masking ourselves just to fit in where we do not belong! In that regard, does society really put a strain on us?

Life itself is dynamic, bringing in its wake both good and bad. Just to go along with the rhythm of life, we make room for changes and most importantly, bearing in mind our ROOTS, we make conscious efforts not to cross over our limits.

Individually, in all things, we make choices that directly or indirectly affect others’ perceptions about us. Why let others make a pale shadow of you when you are capable of showing forth your radiance by simply being yourself?

No matter the society in which you find yourself at any given time, find your bearing and let others respect you for who you are.

Originality should be your hallmark.