Page 250 - The Den Yearbook 2015 (Loyola Jesuit College, Abuja)

OLUWATAMILORE OMOLEWA

OGUNRANTI

Finally, my stay in Loyola Jesuit College has come to an end. I can sincerely say it
was no walk in the park. There are many things to commemorate; the lovely
aroma of sweet potatoes on Wednesday, the shivers that cascade down your spine
when you are called to the Vice Principal's office, the over-expectant nature of
your teachers, the intrepid nature of some students, etcetera.I never imagined that
I would make it through the struggle happy. Indeed it was a struggle. On various
uncountable occasions I reached the peak of depression due to disappointment.
Whenever I put so much effort into a set goal and I received appalling results, I
questioned my potential as a student of Loyola Jesuit College. This,
however,became among the usual challenges of life in LJC.
No matter how depressed or downcast I was at Loyola, there were good things to
counter my feelings. As the saying goes, 'Everything has its advantages and
disadvantages'. Being in LJC, for this period of time enabled me to choose the best
people I could possibly call friends to surround me. Not just fair weather friends,
but friends who have been and will always be there for me, friends that I cherish.
These gifts from God are the main things that kept my sanity.

Apart from my friends, there were other aspects of life in LJC that I loved. Unlike
my primary school days, I engaged in extracurricular activities I thought I never
would. As a child, I detested sports because I believed I was not good at any, but
LJC made me realize that there is no harm in trying. I became a member of the
school's Female Soccer Team. Thereafter, playing soccer became one of the
things I enjoy most. I also acquired self-confidence from LJC. I can comfortably
sing in front of an audience with minimal fear.I eventually became the choir
mistress in SS2. Yes, it was a lot of work balancing choir activities with my
academics, but at least I could express myself freely.

Generally, LJC has built-in a lot of good qualities in me like self-expression,
confidence, responsibility, and the like but I still believe I am capable of being so
much more than what I am now. From here, I continue my journey of self-
discovery. Yes, the road may be rough but I trust God to give me fortitude. LJC is
one decision I do not regret making and I leave elated that I am a part of this
family.

Oluwatamilore Omolewa OGUNRANTI, ‘15

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