Greetings everyone!
Happy Valentine's season to you all🥰
Most of us didn't make good use of our school days to catch all the fun but you'll agree with me that it's one of the best moments in our lives.
In this article, I'd like to focus on my secondary school days.
First of all, I had a slim build(body), likened to that of a broom, and many people took me to be a very lazy person, even when I always finish first in my portion whenever it's labor time (clearing of grasses). It didn't stop there; my slim nature was coupled with very light skin, almost albino-like. This attracted a lot of bullies to me because I was referred to as the son of one of the deranged teachers (his mental instability was obvious). It didn't end there; I had a very big head, and hey, this made things worse with the bullies.
Thank God all those characteristics are no longer there, I'm now refined. Hallelujah!
So, all those features pushed me into hiding. I lived a very low-key life in school, moved with very few people I called friends, and stayed away from girls even when they were around. How could they come around to someone ugly? Read on.
In all these, I was a standout student from 'behind the scene'
This may sound like bragging...
During those days, I was among the toppers in class even though I was not among the outspoken, favourite ones. Yes, you would hardly see me contributing to class lectures; I only centered on my bookwork because as for then, that was what mattered...just pass your exam.
During SS2 class, there was a day I was sent for by the vice principal. They were looking for candidates to represent the school in a competition, and because I was among the top four in class (based on exam records), he called for us to know exactly who this Kingsleyy is.
I had never fancied things like that. Maybe I'm too introverted and didn't want to be singled out. They removed my name from the selected candidates, and I wasn't bothered.
Also, towards our last days in school before WAEC, after the general exam, I was told that I topped biology and economics scores, and I never believed it because there were a lot of intelligent students. But it happened, and I was singled out for accolades. Oh yes, I'm giving flowers to myself now🫣
My outstanding performance in exams were making ladies to come around but I was so dull to catch the greenlight...ðŸ˜
The only time I wanted to dislike my outspokenness in school was during prefect selections.
My name was featured in different prefect positions on the provisional list, but along the line, I was removed, and many of the people who didn't merit being listed as prefects by academic qualifications were selected. It was intimidating to see these guys hold power while I watched from the sidelines. I felt so bad, but I asked myself, "Would I be able to perform if I were given the position?" The answer I gave myself was what calmed my mind because, actually, I was not outspoken, and I couldn't even imagine myself flogging students, which were major requirements for these positions.
That was the day I learned that leadership is not just about what you have in your brain but what your whole body can do.
Thanks for reading
This is my entry to Hivenaija prompt of the week