To be honest, I’m not yet done with school myself, but I’ve been through enough to know how it feels when you’re stepping out of that phase called secondary school. It’s a lot. You feel free, grown, and maybe a little scared. So, if I was to say anything to someone leaving school today, here’s what I’d say from my heart.
First of all, don’t let anybody pressure you into thinking you must figure life out immediately. That’s a lie a lot of us believed, and it messes with your mind. Some people will enter university fast, some will get jobs, some will start hustling. It’s very easy to feel like you’re left behind. Please don’t fall for it. You’re not late.
Your journey is unique to you. I know that might sound cliché but it’s true. Some of the people that look like they are far ahead now, life will humble them. And some people you think are slow, they’re just building deep roots. So move at your own pace. Don’t rush because others are rushing.
And this part is very important, take your time to know yourself. Secondary school is like a bubble. When you leave, you’ll start seeing life in a different way. So this is the time to explore your interests, try new things, and learn more about who you really are outside of uniforms and school bells. Trust me, the earlier you discover what drives you, the better.
Another thing I’ll say is, learn how to handle disappointments. There’s no perfect path. Things won’t always work out the way you plan. You might not get into the school you want or the course you applied for. A business might fail. Friends might change. But that doesn’t mean you’re failing. Sometimes, life is just redirecting you to something better.
To my fellow girls, don’t rush into things just because everyone is doing it. Relationships, marriage, even some kind of jobs, please shine your eyes well. You’re not in a competition with anyone. Focus on building yourself, adding value to your life and mind. It’s okay to say no to things that don’t serve you. It’s okay to choose peace over pressure.
For the guys, I know you want to hustle and be successful. That’s good, but don’t chase fast money at the cost of your future. Be patient. Build slowly. Real success takes time and consistency.
Don’t joke with learning practical things too. Even while you wait for admission or next steps, learn a skill. Learn how to cook, speak well, manage money, and even how to relate with people. School doesn’t teach you everything, real life will shock you if you’re not prepared.
And please, stay grateful. Appreciate your parents or whoever supported you through school. You’ll understand the sacrifice more as you grow.
In all, leaving school is not the end of your learning journey, it’s just the beginning of the real one. So take your time, don’t rush anything, and don’t try to impress anybody. Impress yourself. Grow in silence and shine in your own time.
