Throwback to a Day That Still Makes Me Smile

Some memories stick with you, not just because of what happened, but because of how they made you feel. They live in your head rent-free, showing up on random days, especially when life starts to feel a bit overwhelming. For me, two particular days always bring a smile to my face no matter how tough the moment is. One was the day I graduated from secondary school, and the other was my matriculation into the University of Uyo.

Let me start with the graduation. That day felt like the grand finale of a movie I had been acting in for six years. From the moment I stepped into junior secondary school, it had been a long journey of learning, growing, making mistakes, correcting them, and discovering myself. I was just a regular boy who wanted to make something of himself, and I had put my heart into everything, both academics and leadership.

On the day of my graduation, the atmosphere was electric. I remember waking up with this deep excitement in my chest. It wasn’t just about wearing a nice outfit or saying goodbye to school friends. It was bigger than that. It was a moment of reward. A day that showed that all my efforts, those long nights of reading, the early morning devotions, the responsibilities I had carried, the sacrifices had not been in vain.

I wasn’t alone either. My family showed up for me in full force. My grandma, who had always been my spiritual backbone, was there, looking so proud. My little sister came too, even though she probably didn’t fully understand the importance of the day, but her smile and excitement made it even more special. My mum, the real MVP of my life, was glowing with pride. My cousins and several well-wishers, including neighbors and church members, came to celebrate with me. Seeing all of them there, clapping and cheering when my name was called over and over again, was a feeling I’ll never forget.

I wasn’t just called out for academic excellence. I received several awards, yes, but what made me even prouder was the fact that I was recognized for more than just my brain. I was awarded for good character, for cleanliness, and leadership. I served as the sanitary prefect and was later promoted to assistant senior prefect, and those positions didn’t come easy. They came from years of consistency and being the kind of student who didn’t wait to be told what to do.

Even from as far back as JSS2, I had started taking leadership seriously. I was already a church ( chapel) warden, and I served multiple times as a class prefect from js2 to ss3). These roles shaped my confidence. They made me see that people believed in me, and more importantly, that I could handle responsibility. And I didn’t just take the roles for the title, I worked. I showed up every day with the mindset of serving and doing things right, whether it was organizing the class ran smoothly.

The awards and recognition on graduation day were more like a confirmation of who I had been throughout school. When people came to hug me or shake my hand, they said things like “You deserve it,” or “I saw this coming,” and it made me feel seen. Truly seen.

Fast forward a few months later, and I found myself wearing another gown this time, a matriculation gown. This one felt different. Graduation was about ending something. Matriculation was about beginning something new.

Getting into the University of Uyo, especially into the Department of Curriculum Studies, Educational Planning and Management, History Unit, was a major milestone for me. It meant that all the sacrifices of secondary school had opened the doors to something greater. I was stepping into a new chapter of growth, knowledge, and opportunities.

The matriculation day was colorful and full of joy. The campus was buzzing. Everywhere you turned, there were students in gowns taking pictures, families beaming with pride, and that hopeful energy of young people about to start a new academic journey. I walked around, soaking it all in, thinking about how far I had come and how much more there was ahead of me.

Being in the History Unit made me even more excited. History isn’t just about memorizing dates and events. It’s about understanding society, learning from the past, and figuring out how to create a better future. That has always fascinated me. It’s a department that sharpens your thinking, expands your worldview, and prepares you to contribute meaningfully to society.

Even here in the university, that leadership fire has not gone out. I currently serve as the course rep, and I’ve taken up multiple roles as a comrade, representing the voices of my fellow students and standing for what’s right. I’ve been active in the ALUAT race, advocating for student rights, participating in academic discussions, and engaging in school politics to ensure the welfare of my coursemates and faculty is prioritized.

Of course, university life has not been a walk in the park. From academic pressure to power outages, to navigating challenges with lecturers and registration stress, it can be overwhelming. But every time I start to feel drained or question the journey, I go back in my mind to those two moments, my graduation and my matriculation. They remind me of who I am, of how far I’ve come, and of what I’m capable of.

They remind me that success isn’t something that just happens. It’s built over time. Through service, consistency, sacrifice, and the courage to take up roles even when it’s uncomfortable.

So yes, those two days will always make me smile. Not just because they were celebrations, but because they were confirmations of the person I was becoming. And I’m still on that journey, still learning, still growing, and still leading.

And to anyone reading this, if you’ve had moments like these, hold them close. Let them fuel you. And if you haven’t yet, keep working, keep showing up, and your own day will come. And when it does, you’ll smile too, just like I always do when I remember mine.

Thanks for reading
All images below are mine

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