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The Corner: What further education hid from us
Words Beverley Martins
If you want to succeed, get up early, eat well, be a boss, make a lot of money, and be educated, keep reading. I won't be able to assist you in getting there, but I will tell you what they didn't tell me before I started university.
I HATE IT HERE! I want to be an excellent student, graduate with honours, start my own business, buy a Birkin bag, and travel to Paris on weekends. At the same time, I'd like to drop out of law school and start looking for someone to marry, to pay my bills, and take me across the world. But, because that isn't going to happen anytime soon, I'm here. I'm researching, working hard, and sleeping poorly at night, attempting to recall various legislation and case laws that have nothing to do with paying my current bills.
Let me tell you a secret: I thought I was two weeks away from becoming a millionaire when I started University. Until the two weeks were up, at which point I had four deadlines to meet. Surprisingly, I believed I was on a journey of discovery. After my first lecture, I thought I'd discover my true calling (the one that pays great), but after a year, I realised that "discovering myself" was the least of my concerns because I'm spending far too much time reading. That's enough of that depressing reality check. Here's what they didn't tell you about University before you started.
First and foremost, They didn't tell you that you'd be broke the majority of the time. When you first start University, it appears like you're entering adulthood; most of us live away from home, which means you have rent to pay, transport, phone bills, outings, and other costs that seem to come with adulthood. Why am I paying to get my tooth checked when it feels like a horse is stomping on my jaw, and I can't just go to the dentist for free because I'm no longer 16? I hate it here. In addition, they didn't tell me that the first year of University would be so damn expensive. And I'm not talking about the course. I'm talking about those annoying people they call your peers, that keep inviting you out. They say that first-year is for 'the enjoyment before the storm', but I thought it only lasted a week. As in 'freshers week'. I found myself eating fancy lunch way too much. Those people they call your peers (you new clique) always inviting you out. Still, they never ask if you can afford it; they throw the invite ( I find that disrespectful because I could be spending my money on something else, sis). I can't blame them; my silly ass will say yes and spend the most money. I get it you're excited with a different group of people during the first year. And now that you're old enough and have the freedom to spend, you do so. You must budget wisely during your university years; not only will it benefit you in the long run, but it will also prevent you from becoming broke and missing out on the fun when your mates are out.
They didn't tell you, you were going to look like trash most days. My University is in central London amongst many. When I was younger, I would see so many university students in London walking with their giant backpacks or cute outfits paired with cute shoes. I received a revelation once I started University. I discovered that I was looking at the wrong people; the actual students were behind them, in the tracksuits and messy hair.
My name is Beverley, and I hate brushing my hair. Yes, that's the story of my life. Starting University, I looked highly fabulous. I looked like the sexy lawyer I wanted to become. My hair was always in a cute bun. I even went shopping for cute boots, and I shopped for outfits (not individual clothes). I wanted to shine before the first month ended. I could not find it in me to put in effort till this very day. Your girl is tired. We are all tired. Why are we dressing up for exactly? Some of us just left the library after an all-nighter; come on. We can't keep up appearances, and if you are the one that can do it all and still look cute... Shut up, stop being judgy. Funny story before I moved on, I was in the library for hours one morning, one of my best friends wanted to meet me for lunch, and I agreed. I left the library to meet her at the station. Once I saw her I tapped her and she turned to face me, looking at me funny. Once she realised it was me, she said. "Oh Bev, I thought you were a poor person" at that moment, I could do nothing but laugh.
They didn't warn you that you'd be miserable occasionally (and sometimes for no apparent reason); yes, University makes me cry. I'm not dramatic or sarcastic when I say that; I cry most days. Maybe it's because I'm tired, or perhaps it's because I'm studying. But there's something about University that frustrates me; the other day, I was heading to the station and started crying because I remembered how much work I had to do and how long it would take me to finish it. I wouldn't place all of the burdens on University. I believe it's the whole bundle of adulthood that came as a surprise. Sis, sorry to break it to you; University is challenging, soo cry and then wipe your tears and get back to work. Crying won't do your reading for you or make your assignments disappear.
It will all be worth it in the end. I spent most of my years trying to get through school with flying colours to make my family proud. Recently, someone suggested that "this is not about anyone but yourself" in other words, "do it for yourself", but I can't get myself to agree with that ideology to an extent. Yes, I have to push myself to get up every morning to get my ass to school. I have to choose to stay up all night and study. But I don't think I can keep going with the hope of others because what happens on the day I can't be bothered to study and push hard for the best, I can't rely on my zeal, but I can't rely on my family and friends and the people who want the best for me.
In other words, there has to be something more significant pushing me because (on my own) I will give up. And for those who don't have great people around them, it's a matter of asking yourself why I am studying? What is my aim? Where am I taking this to? And the answer is what will propel and push you to be the finest version of yourself. I'm blessed to be a product of the hope of those who believe in me and my vision to become the most excellent version of myself ultimately.