It had been just five months at home and already I was reporting to University. I was excited and very happy because I had had a lot of fantasies in my head about the University; the independence, the flexibility in attending classes, and just generally the freedom. My whole family sat me down and talked to me generally about boys, attending class and hard work. Fast forward to know that I have completed my undergraduate degree, there is a lot more I wish they had told me that night.

I wish someone had given me the book “Atomic habits by James Clear” right after high school. I wouldn’t be trying to build new habits and systems right now. The book coupled up with the lessons I got from Lapid have given me a sense of clarity of identity and direction. I wish I was more self-aware in my earlier years it would have made all the difference, but all is not lost.

I wish someone had told me about financial management and given me a lesson on financial literacy. It is not that I didn’t know about savings and budgeting but I went to campus thinking I had financial freedom and so I spent on everything that pleased my eyes. If I had a session on financial literacy, I would have learned about various financial investment options at a tender age and I wouldn’t be struggling with budgeting, financial planning, and financial discipline.

Finally, I wish someone had told me about self-care. For the longest time, I would hide in books when stressed and judge myself on making mistakes. I never allowed myself to feel that emotion and overcome it, I would Shan it away. This affected me when I was done with campus because the burnout, I had ignored in the past came back and I felt confused and disoriented. When finally opened up to someone the only thing they told me was to allow myself to feel the emotion which I did and now I am better. Self-care is key, feel that emotion, relax after a long day, and have stress management systems.