My phone rang one morning as I was about to prepare lunch. It was the MD of my previous school, where I had completed my S4. I wondered why he was calling but knew I had to pick up.
"Helo? Good morning, Nawi. I would like you to come to school right now," he said.
"Good morning, sir," I replied. "I'll come right away." I didn't know why he called, but I had to go. What if it was a job opportunity or something that could benefit me? After a brief conversation, the call ended.
My mom was on her way to the market, so I stopped her. "Mom, my school MD just called me to go to school now," I said.
"Do you have transport?" she asked. "If yes, you're free to go. If not, you're not. They can't just call you to go wherever they want without providing transport. Where do they expect you to get it from? If they're going to pay for your transport, take five thousand pounds and bring it back when they give it to you. If not, no going anywhere. Do you get me?"
I had no choice but to stay quiet. I left her room and went to mine, which I shared with my elder sister. Soon after, my mom and sister left, leaving me alone, just about to prepare lunch.
I thought of how unfair life could be, then remembered I had to call the MD to inform him I wouldn't be coming. Frustration bubbled up, and I threw everything near me across the room — I was really good at throwing things when angry.
After calming down, I called the MD. After a few seconds, he picked up.
"Helo?" he said.
"Yes sir, I won't be coming today. My mom isn't home, and I have nowhere else to get money for transport," I explained. I couldn't exactly say my mom refused to give me the money — that would sound weird.
"Alright, it's fine," he said.
"Sir, is my coming urgent or...?" I tried to dig deeper, curious about what I was missing.
"No. But come tomorrow early at 7:00 a.m.," he interrupted.
"Okay, sir. I'll be there," I said, smiling happily at the chance to still be part of whatever opportunity awaited me.
Before I noticed, the food I cooked tasted bland. The joy wasn't there. I didn't care, though — I figured they wouldn't blame me since I wasn't allowed to go today. The day dragged slowly, my heart restless with anticipation, like the excitement you feel when buying a new Christmas outfit — it makes it impossible to sleep.
I set my alarm for 6:00 a.m. and slept peacefully. When it rang, I woke immediately. I had set Alan Walker's song with Emelie and Lilly as my alarm. I loved that song; it gave me peace.
That day, I wasn't lazy as usual. I planned to arrive at 7:00 a.m., but I ended up getting there at 7:42 a.m. Before leaving home, I had decided to walk to school instead of asking my mom for transport money. The distance was long, but I didn't care. I needed to seize this opportunity. Life of waking, eating, and sleeping, with no work for S4 leavers, could mean poverty. I refused to accept that.
"I'm going," I told my mom as she brushed her hair. She eyed me and asked, "Have you taken the transport fees?"
I shook my head.
"So you're going on foot!" she said.
I just smiled, went to her room, and picked a little money for transport anyway. Then I left, taking public transport, budgeting wisely since I didn't have extra.
At school, I first visited the secondary section before heading to the primary section, where I was supposed to report. I knew more people in secondary, so I greeted the staff and students I knew before stepping out to buy airtime. I needed to call the MD to confirm my arrival.
After getting credit, I called.
"Hello, good morning sir. I've arrived at school," I said.
"Ok, go to Jed and he'll tell you what to do," he replied. Luckily, Jed, the school bursar, was heading to a nearby shop when I first saw him. The call ended.
I rushed to Jed for instructions. He led me to his office, gestured to a table with a chair, and said, "This is your office."
I smiled like crazy — a smile that stretched ear to ear. Only those paying attention would know just how wild it truly was.