Page 252 - The Den Yearbook 2015 (Loyola Jesuit College, Abuja)

Ehi

OGWUCHE-OBE

My Loyola Jesuit College story can best be described using six quotes which
perfectly bring to life my experiences in each of my six years in the college. The
first quote is “always bear in mind that your resolution to succeed is more
important than any other”- Abraham Lincoln. This was the mindset I had as I
stepped into secondary school. The achievement of the primary aim of school was
my one and only goal. All other strings attached to it could be cut off for all I cared.
No friends, no sports, nothing else but A1s. This sets me on the right path though
as I was effortlessly making excellent grades and determined to continue.

Academic excellence! "I not only use the brains I have but all I can borrow"-
Woodrow Wilson.My second year came to me in a gift box. When I opened it, I
was slapped in the face with the reality that I alone could not fully grasp the
teachings in Mathematics and a few other subjects. I needed help which I could
not always receive from my teachers. The other little ones with me in JSS 2C
would suddenly have to become my acquaintances or better still, my friends. I
realized that my bonds might have even had to spread further to the entire set of 90
students.

Friendship! JSS3 was the examination class. It was a very frightening class for
me, mostly because of the way teachers kept stressing how BECE could make or
break my life. I worked hard, but I did not forget to also relax and keep the
balance, so I engaged myself in other activities like dancing(miming). In the end, I
was able to scale the hurdle and cross over to the Senior Secondary School.
"Cause change and lead; accept change and survive; resist change and die" -Ray
Norda. SS1 was a whole new beginning. I had become a junior once again and I
had to understand the concept of having 'electives'. Change is the perfect word to
describe this point in my life-change of subjects, change of classmates and change
of duty. I was slowly being inducted into the world of responsibility when I was
honoured with the posts of Table Head and Hostel Prefect, which were equally
tasking. However, in order to continue in my race for the magis, I welcomed the
duties with open arms.

"Whenever you find the whole world against you, just turn around and lead the
world"- Anonymous. This was quite a task. I had only recently been introduced to
a world of responsibility and it was time to take on a larger role and live out the
school motto "Service of God and Others". My set, being a unique one, not only
due to our small number but also the circumstances surrounding us, had only a day
or two to campaign for prefectship posts. It was every man for himself and I took it
as the best time to actualize the above quote. Using to my advantage the bonds I
had with junior students, my Academic Probation election campaign went viral. It
earned me a nomination which I appreciated with one of the only (and best)
speeches I have ever made in my life. Being adorned with a scarf and a badge not
so long afterwards was a very moving experience for me.
"My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some
passion, some compassion, some humour and some style."- Maya Angelou.
Senior Secondary School 3, the last lap as it is fondly called, has arrived. The
academic objective is to scale excellently through the West African Senior
Secondary Certificate Examination (WASSCE). However, the general objective
is to exit the college having achieved excellence in character and learning.
Character comes first for a reason which is that a successful LJC student should
have laughed insanely, loved much, forgiven truly and studied hard.

Loyola Jesuit College has defined me and although it took me a while to realize; it
has helped me in more ways than I can imagine. To the administration, teachers,
my friends and family, I say God bless you all.

Ehi OGWUCHE-OBE, ‘15

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