The Grind.

I was on the couch two days ago having a discussion about life with my brother. We talked about our life experiences, the times when we were at the university level, when we were teenagers, how far life has taken us, and where we found ourselves today.

After a short while a song popped into my head “1999”. That was one music I got so addicted to about 9 years back. I saw the music as a wake-up call for me. One thing about me is that I love to watch movies but I am always fascinated with movies about life morals and motivations, not just movies. So does it apply to music too?

The 1999 music lyrics rang in my brain and I quickly went to YouTube to play the song again. I got my heart beating slowly releasing its pressure as I followed up with the song lyrics. It was just about how the musician got inspired to become who he was.

He remembered an incident that happened in the year 1999 that almost took the life of his dad. But his dad was fine and grateful to see them excel today. He stood on his grind and made sure he got the best out of life.

I remember some days when I was in university. Things got so hard for me. My brother just graduated then and doesn’t have a means of earning. And I couldn't depend much on seeking income from home since I knew how much Dad worked hard to cater to our needs. I was left alone to myself.

At some point, I felt like just getting into anything that would get me money. But every time I remember that there is always a reward for everything we do in life, I will just sit back and ponder about it again.

I would think about the reason why Dad didn’t indulge himself in illegalities but chose a legal means of earning despite how hard it was, he was super proud of his source of income which didn’t tarnish the image of his family. So why should I be different??

How would it look like to see my dad shed tears after all the pride he has for us? What image am I presenting to my younger siblings who are looking up to me?

All of these thoughts would rush down my head and I would just keep to my struggles hoping for better days ahead. I will always have it in my prayers that I don't want a hard life. But I am passing through it.

There was a time when I had to sleep in class for a whole session. My parents couldn’t afford an apartment rent for me then and they catered for my school fees. Things got so hard on me that my only hope was just the future ahead. But whenever I am about to lose my way the thought about dad would come to mind and keep me focused.

My parents have been my grind from the onset. What should I say about my enduring mum who has patiently dedicated all of her life and career to see us excel? There are times when she would face humiliations from her mates and friends but she never mind that, she will always smile again at our sight.

When I got to my finals in university, it wasn’t as hard as it was in the beginning anymore. But it was just like climbing a ladder, the higher you climb the scarier it looks.

I wished to be in the animal production department, but when our names were posted I saw my name among the agronomy students. I was so down and thought of changing my department.

When I called Mum to break the news to her, she encouraged me to give it my best and believe I can do it. I felt motivated again. But one prayer I have been making was never to fall into the hands of a lecturer whom I don't even like or who I don't pass her course as my supervisor.

It was the second semester and time for us to get our supervisors. I was thrilled to know whom I would be grouped with. The day we got our names grouped, I wasn't in a hurry to check my name. I was just so prayerful and wishing I didn't see my name among that lecturer's students.

When I got there the first list I checked was the name of the lecturer I didn't want and I found my name as her first student.

What!! I was emotionally down. At that point, I felt I should change my supervisor if I don't want to fail my project and have an extra year because I don't know how I was even going to pass her courses not to talk of having a project work with her.

I called Mum again and told her about my supervisor. She felt the pressure on me. But she stood with me and promised that I could succeed if I was determined to. Without a doubt, I took to her words again and faced the challenges ahead of me. I won't lie it was tough and rough, my supervisor proved to be what she truly was. But Mum's words were ringing in my brain and kept me going.

When our graduating list was released, I was so scared to check it, because I knew how I performed last semester. I had a positive and a negative mindset. Then after speaking to Mum, I checked and finally got the message

Congratulations Abdulqudus, you have graduated with the SECOND CLASS HONOURS in B.Agriculture.

Finally, I became a graduate. My parents remain my wake-up call in almost everything I do.