When we talk about student's in Nigeria, on of the things that we have one time or the other faced is peer pressure. And it's not the kind of pressure that comes from friends or those you see saying or telling you to do this or that. No, but mainly from what you see them do, you see them change phones every semester, some having a ride of their own, other's living in expensive apartments, some wearing designers and living expensive/extravagant life.
And if care is not taken, you began to feel left out, as if you are behind in life and all, you begin to question a lot of things, from the family you come from, to the life you're living and all. This is coming from a personal experience, I have been there before and I can't help but think if I'm the only one behind or not living the good life. But, I had to call myself back to attention, because most of this people are just packaging. A lot of them do stuff that they can't come out openly to say, some are into stuff that is not legit and all.
I threw it away totally and overcame it at a time when we were doing our sign out and I found out one of my classmates actually spent over a million naira in her sign out only. The sign out takes a week, and there are different activities for each day. The jean on jean day, cultural day, Jersey day and the likes. This lady didn't repeat a dress, or shoe or wig twice for the whole of the week. Each day comes with a different cloth, wigs and accessories. She's into pedicure and all, that's what she do, it was later her friends who were beefing her burst out what she had to do just so to be able to afford it. I felt bad, and some would have wished for this, some would have thought, "am I a stick" mere seeing this girl, and they won't know what she did to get all of that isn't something to be proud of.
Talk of social media too, what we see is what they want us to see, most of it ain't real in any way and that is what most are seeing and comparing their lives with. I've come to understand that comparison is a thief of happiness/joy. You will only keep thinking and hurting yourself whereas you don't know that who you're comparing your life with is from a wealthy family, or doing things they can't explain just so to keep on living the life. Back then in school, I know of a guy who was later arrested with some set of armed robbers, he later confessed he's been into it for year's and that's how he's been living his life, sponsoring himself and living lavishly, and some are somewhere comparing themselves to him back then.
Our backgrounds are different, why bother or pressure yourself because of that which you're seeing. My journey is different and yours is different as well. Just accept that and you will find peace in living your own life. Live within your means, it's not a poverty mentality, it's you knowing where you are coming from and applying wisdom. Don't fake it, else stress will later finish you. It's best to live your life, rest when needed, turn a blind eye and not live to impress anybody.
And one of the things that will as well help us for you to stay away from the wrong set of people, if your circle is filled with people who pressure you, then you're in the wrong place. When you're among a set of people that make you feel/look less because you cannot match their lifestyle, respect yourself enough to withdraw. You owe no one an explanation, you don't need to prove anything to anybody. Just focus on you, build yourself, and stay on track to achieve your goals. You will definitely enjoy life too, and you won't make anybody feel less of themselves, so stay on track and don't get pressured.
馃尮
Images are mine.
Thanks a lot for taking your time to read through, kindly do well to stop by my blog 
鉂ｏ笍鉂ｏ笍鉂ｏ笍
