I've Raised A Legend: An Open Letter To My Sister.

 So on Saturday, the 19th of September 2020, my younger sister graduated from high school. I have had several proud moments of her but I think this one excites me the most. Comfort, my sister spent 6 years in Holy Child College, Ikoyi, Lagos state and came out as one of the best graduating students as well bagging the award of "Neatest Student", an award she was won three times amongst others.

This graduation was supposed to happen earlier in the year but thanks to the Corona virus pandemic, not only was it delayed, but it was also low key with the school allowing just one parent to represent their child or ward. Being the cool sister that I am, she chose me to represent her, (yeah, I'm cool like that).

But the unique thing about her set is that this is the second pandemic they are witnessing in their lifetime. This graduating set were also affected by the Ebola pandemic which hit Nigeria in the year 2014 and of course, their academic session was also affected. (legends indeed).

We weren't sure what to expect with graduation during a pandemic, but I must commend Holy Child College for adhering to the government rules on safety and social distancing. As much as the whole family couldn't make it to celebrate in the school premises, what made up for it was the beautiful,  happy faces of these young girls who are so eager for the next phase of their lives.

    

Oh Commy, how I adore every moment with you. I still remember like yesterday when you were born and brought home from the hospital. I had been alone in our big home until your arrival. You completed me and immediately became my first responsibility. Loving you is easy and I would give the world to see you happy and accomplished.

You are simply the best little and big sister anyone could ever have. On the day of your graduation, I Made you take pictures with your friends knowing that in a matter of time, many of you will only have but a memory of yourselves as the next phase of life can tear some of you far apart. It was beautiful yet sad seeing that you also have to face life with its many uncertainties.

Now you are looking forward to college. 

You know how proud I am of you and your accomplishments. I know just how hard you worked for it. Even though you are specially annoying, I love that you trust me, I love how smart and mature you are. You are growing into a fine adult and the fact that you are a good friend to your friends also makes me really proud of you.

In this new phase, you are about to enter, I can only hope that you got everything you needed out of your high school years, I hope you made friendships that will stand the test of time, I hope you learnt lessons that you can stand on as a foundation in your new journey. I hope you developed all the skills needed to face the real harsh world, knowing you, I am sure you did amazing.

It is time for you to leave high school behind and focus on college. 

It is a different ball game altogether. It will no longer be about just having good grades, it will also involve surviving the many activities that will of course become harder but easy as you start to understand yourself and the environment better. I want you to know that true friends might not come as easy as you think, but then again, you see the best in people and you don't judge ( this is something we have in common and it has helped me a lot, I hope it helps you too).

You will come to find that being an adult is sometimes scary and lonely. But I want you to have the most fun and have them early too. Take risks but make sure they are all well calculated so that you have minimal regrets. Be ambitious, don't settle for less because you are not "less"

Stay Away From Boys: All of Them 😏

At least for the first two years if you can. Boys are fun, don't get me wrong but we already had the conversation, this is just a reminder. Get to understand yourself and get comfortable with your new environment before getting into anything that could become a distraction and potentially, a regret.

Be Nice To Your Professors

Get to know them, Take time to initiate conversations with them, ask questions and listen objectively. Do not join the bandwagon to "hate" or avoid lecturers who are tough, those ones will eventually bring out the best in you academically.

Be Ready for Late Night Studies

Do not get lazy. I know it can be exhausting especially in the first semester, but you will get used to it. Also, do not forget the trick I told you when going back to your hostel or lodge after late-night studies, they will come in handy should the need ever arise. 

Participate in competitions

You are a star girl na, so let the world experience that. Get involved in competitions, elections and social activities that will make you popular. Yes, I want you to be well remembered in any university you attend.

Lastly

There is no lastly, I am just so excited and have so much to say. But I trust you will be good. I cannot wait to drive you to your graduation from university and watch you pick up your degree.

God knew what he was doing when He made you my sister, so remember that I am as usual, always a phone call away. When you need a prayer partner or a confidant when you want to gist or seek advice, whatever the reason, whatever the time of day, I will be on the other end of the line waiting for you.

I love you more than words can quantify. To me, you are a legend, my legend.

Love, Nina💙

Visit the podcast to listen to Comfort discuss her university of choice, myths, fears and expectations.