Growing up with my parents, our village normally celebrates a family return every five years. This event happens around Christmas. It is expected that families return to the village with their households. Then, our village will be filled with people from different walks of life, both at home and abroad. Friends and family will see each other after years of staying apart. There are pleasant surprises, excitement, a lot to discuss, share, and eat. Some will get their partners, while some will connect and share business ideas and goals. A lot happens during this period.
Imagine that such a thing happens, and I find myself in a room with all my childhood friends and classmates. Wonders will happen there because, growing up, we were five close friends, with some other extended friends. We did a lot of playing tricks and pranks. We were a force to reckon with then. We grew up in the same neighbourhood and attended the same school and dispersed at university, though as painfully as it was then. We tried to continue, but a lot changed, so we went our separate ways.
Nevertheless, if at any point in time an event brings us together, ehee. That day will be a day to reckon with. We will chat TDB (Till Day Break), crack jokes, share experiences, laugh out loud, encourage each other, and share some side hustle ideas. On the other hand, I had a few classmates I related to while schooling, mostly of the opposite gender. It has always been great any time we meet. We would throw banter, talk about memories, share recent updates, laugh, eat, and exchange business ideas.
Recently, we had our alumni gathering where we celebrated our matron’s Platinum Jubilee. In fact, it was a day I will not forget in a hurry. Our set is the pacesetter of the Alumni chapter, and as a result, a lot was expected from us. We turned out en masse. Some lodged in a hotel, others slept at our matron’s house; those who were unable to attend physically joined via the Zoom link. It was a memorable day.
At first, it started like a joke and metamorphosed into a remarkable event. Some of us have become professors, doctors, specialists in different fields, Engineers, and professionals in different endeavours. I was excited chatting with my friends and cracking jokes. In fact, we felt like it wouldn’t end.
Those side distractions did not steal our joy; rather, they added glamour and glee, a greater bond, and the spirit of resilience, power, and encouragement as we shared our life experiences, contacts, ideas, and, most importantly, encouraged and cheered each other to continue pushing forward without quitting nothing that quitters never win, and winners never quit.
So yes, if I am placed in a room with my childhood friends and classmates, to be honest with you, there will be a lot to talk about, knowledge to share, ideas and goals to set. The camaraderie will be reignited and sustained for some time, maybe 3 days or a week. From experience, such lively occasions are always better when the shine and glee are present. Once it overstays, change may happen, as with humans. So, we celebrate, enjoy ourselves, and everybody goes back to base.
