THE UNTOLD BURDENS OF BEING A STUDENT

Good day, my Hive family ❤️

It’s that time of the season again…

Being a student goes far beyond what many of our parents and guardians think when they send us off to school. Every time I call home to talk about the pressure I’m under, the response is often: “You’re in school; what are you even stressing about? And when I try to explain further, they counter with: “What if you were in our shoes, handling all the responsibilities?”

At that point, I’m left with no choice but to remain quiet and accept their view—that students are “enjoying” life and have nothing to worry about.

But chaiii, if you’re a student or you’ve passed through the four walls of a university, I beg you—help us correct this mindset!

Do Parents Really Know the Pressure We Face?

Let’s talk honestly.

Do they know what it means to wake up by 4:00 AM, just to flip through materials before classes begin—especially in case there’s an impromptu test?

Do they realize classes start by 7:00 or 8:00 AM and can run until 5:00 PM or later?

Do they know we repeat this same cycle every single day with zero freedom, all just to ensure the semester doesn’t waste?

Do they understand how hard some days can be? Those days where all you have is Garri without sugar, milk, or even groundnut—just because you don’t want to disturb them financially?

It’s Not Just About Attending Lectures

Many of us are not just trying to pass. We’re pushing to excel.

Especially those of us in medical fields where anything below 50 is a straight F. The weight is real. The standards are high. The pressure is intense.

Do they see our sleepless nights? Do they notice the emotional toll of back-to-back exams? Do they understand the fear and anxiety that exam periods bring?

And yet, despite it all… we conquer.

We Students Are Trying – Give Us Some Credit

It’s quite painful how misunderstood students can be. But I want to use this opportunity to encourage every student out there:

Don’t let anyone talk down on your efforts unless you’re not actually paying the price.

If you’re giving it your all, then know you’re doing something noble and powerful. You’re carrying a burden that not everyone can see.

My Journey Continues...

As for me, I’ll be going off for a while to focus on my upcoming Second Professional Exam in Veterinary Medicine, which begins next week Monday.

This exam marks the end of my Paraclinics phase and it’s a marathon I must run with full focus.

Please keep me in your prayers and feel free to drop any encouraging words in the comments. 🙏

We students are really trying. May all our sacrifices not be in vain. See you all next month. ❤️

Thank you for reading. Much love to everyone hustling in silence. Stay strong. ✊

Pictures used are all mine