Life! Life!! Life!!! No one believed that I would be able to achieve this great feat. It was a challenging process right from the Entrance Exam in February 2024 and the interview in March 2024. I would never have made it this far if I had not consistently studied and practiced. I was able to conquer all the challenges and got admitted into this great citadel of learning, Jesuit Memorial College, because I was determined. As I already know, I will need to understand how the school operates and the ways assessments are conducted so that I will prepare myself for the work ahead. I know that with my hardwork and assistance from the Almighty God, I will succeed.
I was told a lot about JMC before I eventually came. I was told that it is a huge and wonderful school with very welcoming students and staff. On entering the hostel after going through the checking in processes, I had mixed emotions: a feeling of happiness and sadness. It dawned on me that I was in a new school and I was leaving my family members behind. As I walked through the hostel gate, tears dropped from my eyes when I saw my brother crying and my family members waving me goodbye. I struggled to hold back my tears and entered the hostel. I remembered the reason why I came to JMC and believe that God will always be with me and my family members. I was warmly welcomed by my hostel parent, Mr. Chika, and was taken to my room by one of the prefects. I made some friends on the first day and we prepared our minds for the activities of orientation week.
We had several meetings with several heads of departments in the school during the Orientation Week. They all explained the roles of their departments to the running of the school as well as the rules and regulations of their departments. We also tried to understand the rules of the college by asking questions. There were a lot of funny moments during the week and they helped me get over the sadness of missing my family and friends. I think JMC will be a home away from home for me.
I appreciated everyone who helped and guided us during the orientation week, especially, the principal, Fr. Alex Irechukwu, SJ, the Vice Principal Student Life, Mr. James Eyo, the Vice Principal Academics, Sr. Lilian Eboh, SHCJ and the chaplain, Fr Uchechukwu Oguike, SJ. I also want to thank my hostel parents, Mr. Chika Ossai, Mr. Daniel Moses and Mr. Wisdom Oguegbu. I thank Mr. Obichi Nwosu, the Prefect of Discipline, for explaining to us how we can avoid sanctions in JMC. Mr. Jackson helped us to know the rules of the dining hall and the appropriate way to behave in the dining hall. I enjoyed listening to the president, Fr. Maduabuchi Muoneme, SJ, tell us the history of the school and the purpose it was built. The Orientation Week was indeed a marvelous week and I thank everyone who made it enjoyable.
Now, the ball is in my court. I will make sure I continue to obey the rules and regulations of the college as well as respect all the elders.
As we all know, ‘A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.’ I love JMC because it is not just a citadel of learning but a place to learn good morals, good character and have better knowledge of God. Coming to JMC is one step into a bright future because it will help me to live a life of excellence in character and learning. Indeed, JMC is born from the ashes of Hope of the Sixty Angels and soars like the Phoenix, the mythical bird that never dies.
Chimaobi Brian OFFIAH
Class of 2027