Pubescence: Our Success Stories
As the wave of time kept oozing pass, the systematic movement of life began to unveil in steady motion.
Have come to the realization that events can only be consciously factored into time, with unwavering determination, not the other way round. Time awaits no one. It rolls at its own pace. So, planning is key to achieving goals in life. I decided time would not slip pass those valid goals. They have to be ticked as the clock ticks.
At Queen of the Earth school, scenes unfolded for me in its chapters, evolving in its phasing pulses, riddles, and coming to a close on a higher spatial note.
The first-class academic experience, spanning both curricular and extra curricular workflow, produced a profound and holistic educational touch with an essence.
School systematically gravitated towards holidays, as academic work drew to a close.
An entire term had wrapped up, clanking the door of a new pedestal.
"Click, clack, tickle, tackle..."
Maya puts the pun at me, catching some fun along. She approached, clapping and stomping.
Maya, come on; what's up with you?
Am good, Ashley.
Due to the session that has just winded up, we have little or nothing doing these days.
"You're right, Maya. Am getting bored already".
"Are you not going for the band's rehearsals today?", Maya inquired.
"Not at all. The next one has been slated for tomorrow".
Okay, I see.
"No wonder you are complaining. A workaholic like you will always want to get occupied".
"How about you, ain't you just like me, Maya? Except we just want to deceive ourselves. You are as smart as I am, even smarter".
Ashley, you understand smartness is in grades and levels. Yours starts where mine ends.
You don't mean it? Just calling a bluff off me.
"If you want to prove me wrong, can we just meet Mr Robertson and ask?", Maya suggested.
"Never mind, Maya. It has not gotten to that".
"Whichever be the case, all I know is Maya is exceptional. We're all great in our own respective ways".
"Come to think of it. There is this pertinent question on my mind", Ashley mentioned.
What could that be?
Alright.
"What undergraduate course do you intend to study in the university? Just a bit curious", I explained.
"You have a good question there. It's imperative we start nursing that idea from now. I would have loved to be an air hostess, but I doubt if my parents would want such a career path for me".
Why?
They will never take me serious, you know. My parents believe you have to choose a core professional career. So, nothing adds up outside of that.
To be an air hostess, I could go for any relevant course in either the social sciences or arts.
Most likely, I will prefer something that cuts across. Something diplomatic in nature, before switching over to a course or training in that field.
Why subscribing to that pattern?
Yeah, am making that choice because I can't be an air hostess for life. So, I will rather switch over to something more detailed though, if permitted.
What brought about the choice of an hostess in the first place?
I love the hospitality aspect of it. Then the adventures of having to travel to several places.
"That's a great dream you know", I assessed.
"Yes, it is, if allowed", said Maya.
"Tell me about yours, what are you up to?", Maya questioned.
I love to go for a course in Health Sciences. Any of the medical courses will do.
"Overtime, have developed interest in that area through my mum who happens to be a nurse", I asserted.
"Wow, that's quite interesting."
"Whichever significant career path one chooses in life, success lies at both the depth, and end of it. We stand as major determinants of our endpoints", I inferred.
"So true, Ashley. Being the best in that productive field is the difference we just need to make", Maya signalled.
Grade 2a was about wearing a new look of new pupils, as we are about to take a leap forward. Our class had been bustling with so much activities in preparation for the next phase.
Ashley Welson, Frederick Newtown, Maya Kingsley, Mr Robertson called out a few names of those who had consistently maintained their positions as the best in class.
Hi, class, Mr Robertson addressed us, followed by our choral response:
Hello, sir.
'As it's been my usual practice, I would like to encourage the rest of you to put in more effort in your academic work, to enhance a robust performance.'
'The class had maintained a regular tripartite best performers with a slight interchange among the three consistently.'
'As you all leave for the next class, I want to see you all brace up to challenge the status quo. Though, you all have done well, but there is still space for everyone at the top.'
A piercing silence swept through the class as we listened with rapt attention.
'Fredrick emerged first during the first lap of the term. Ashley challenged Fredrick and Maya, the second term; while Maya and Fredrick came second in the final term, as Ashley took over the first place a second time. Ashley came out as the overall best.'
I commend you all, and wish you all the very best as you move on to the next class.
'Thank you sir', the class responded passively.
"I shall be presenting my gifts to the best three before the school's final prize giving day", Mr Robertson added.
Frederick Newton had been a good trumpeter. He started out while he was five years old. His dad was an afro singer, coupled with a mum who equally backs up for her husband.
His parents got connected through music. I and Fredrick became closer as a result of our membership in the school band.
Fredrick, can we please leave for the band's rehearsal.
"Oh! Yes. I will soon join you. Can you kindly give me a few minutes to complete my work", Fredrick requested.
'Alright, do hasten up. You're aware we mustn't be late.'
Yes, in just a moment, I will be ready.
We conversed briefly, walking through the corridor to the music room. Paul, one of the Pianists passed by.
Hi, Ash. (a short form of Ashley). How do you do? Very well, Paul.
Hello, Fred.
Hi, he responded.
We are coming along.
'That's right', Paul hollered.
Ashley, how come you are this sound all round? Well, aside my passion and interest, my major backup had been my parents, my dad especially. He is always pushing us to be at our best; myself and siblings.
'That's interesting to know. Our experiences seem similar, though.'
Alright, we relate more after the rehearsal.
We mounted our various positions by the instrument stands.
The school's band had been an outstanding one. Parents have always been awe struck during school's special events, where we usually perform.
(Ashley and Agnes Back Home)
"Ashley, could you please unbox those dresses from the bag", Agnes requested.
Sure, let's go.
The two dresses have just been bought by mum to commemorate my best performance, and prize giving day in school.
"Aunt Agnes, which would you suggest I go for? Let's decide now, as the day is fast approaching", I suggested. Each of them has a touch of the colour codes, purple, lemon or peach.
I bet you told mum about the colour code...
'Come on, girl. You should trust me. I will leave no stone unturned when it comes to being circumspect.'
You must not look any different from your peers. Infact, I want you to be the best. (Agnes paced a few steps, wriggling).
Thanks, aunty.
You are welcome, girl.
"Now to our earlier discussion, I prefer the one with a touch of lemon", aunt Agnes suggested.
"Yes, the lemon looks classy", I motioned. We are good to go.
"Now, get the shoes. Put the two together with the hair accessories or barrette", aunty added.
So, everything was automatically set for that day. (I jumped in excitement)
Thanks, aunty Agnes.
'Always a pleasure, my girl.'
I need to arrange the fruits as your dad might pop in next week to grace the event.
You are right, aunty. Dad can decide to give a surprise visit, anyways. Hope he's permitted at work to come for my event.
Let's be optimistic, he will. I would love him to attend this first prize giving day. My band is really prepared to do some classical dad had never heard me perform before.
"Oh! That's fantastic. I will also love to attend".
"Interesting! I would like you to come along too. Am sure you will be free that day", I conjectured.
Definitely, I will.
General Robinson Clement had been one of the supporting mechanisms my dad, Davidson Wilson, had in the Irish army, especially after the relocation of his family.
Davidson had been there for Rob in time past. They had both robed each other's back at peculiar times of needs. Both had also risen through the ranks, ascending the ladder through thick and thin.
"Have you cleared your desk David?
"Yes, all done. Not going to stay long, because of the budgetary task I need to put in place for the 5th squad", Davidson enunciated.
"Their exercise and departure are slated for a month's time. All of the budgetary must be done well ahead", he explained.
"Yes, I understand. You have been known for being meticulous. No one expects anything less from you this time around. You often stand tall, and can't be caught unawares", Rob affirmed.
Davidson packed some files as the commandants picked them up for the car.
"The army service is not for the fainthearted. Over the years, it has nurtured one to be upright, dedicated, dogged and resilient", Robinson added.
"You are right. We cannot but give in our best. Thanks, Rob. It was nice having you around to bid me farewell as I go visit my family. Hope Pamela will be coming in for the weekend too?"
Quite daisy. Next week is certain. (They both exited the office as their aide-de-camps saluted on board their respective cars)
(Queen of the Earth School)
It was the 25th prize giving, and end of the year ceremony at Queen of the Earth School. So, it was quite a special one. A red carpet heralded special guests into the main event.
My dad, Lt. General Davidson was seated to grace the red carpet event with his stunning wife, as part of the invitees.
'Good day, Madam. Congratulations on today's event', Davidson extended.
'Lt Davidson, it's nice having you attend our event for the very first time. Your daughter has been a great asset to us'.
"Thank you for bringing out the best in her. Am glad, she is doing well", he expressed.
The melody of the orchestra's performance was dropping like rain on a winter morning, sizzling the atmosphere slowly with some melody and giving a transcendental aura.
Davidson and Patricia went further to exchange pleasantries with some of the invited guests. "Good day, Colonel. It's nice seeing you again."
"Wow! You are most welcome, pleased to see you. It's been a while."
Dad and mum greeted a couple of invitees, before taking a bow. They later got back on their seats for the rest of the event.
As the music later progressed in the background, there was a procession of final year graduating students. Accompanying was the school's board entrance, occupying the high table. Introduction of special guests of honour followed after diving us into the main event.
Our orchestra's performance opened the floor, rapturously fanning the flame of the event into fire.
Being overjoyed, my performance was full blown, knowing my parents were seated. Mr Oakland, our music coordinator conducted our orchestra in the most stylish and spectacular way.
The musical flow was too enthralling. It went in symphony with our orchestra's pulsating classical rhythmic sound.
Accompanying various free flow and high performances was the instrumentation that stirred the sound of Ludwig Van Beethoven's Ode to Joy. Our band received a rousing ovation as choristers pitched the flow into various parts. Just like my magical hands did justice to the performance on the piano, other instrumentalists were also on course, flowing harmoniously with our attention on Mr Oakland's gestural signals. The choral display went on simultaneously through the musical notes.
The events that started with the administrator's opening speech, precipitated at different levels with spontaneous and unique presentations by various classes and groups of students.
One significant one was the sound bites presentation I had along with Maya. Our audience got enraptured at regular intervals by those insightful statements:
Ashley, over to you:
"The crux of success in life is when you have made a meaningful, positive impact, and left a footprint that tends to outlive you".
Maya:
"Being alone becomes bugling when what you stand for, negates common positivity, and progress. It pays off and makes you a hero in the end, if it's a good cause"
Ashley:
"Your presence counts less, and amounts to a minus when your impact is yet to be felt.
Maya Completes:
...and your presence is no longer counted nor relevant when you stop making impact."
Ashley:
"Your success story lies not in starting well."
Maya Completes:
"The success story is celebrated by a glorious ending."
"There is no competition in destiny. The only competitor in destiny is you."
Ashley Completes:
You compete with your purpose or destiny to either fulfil or forfeit it.
After our 5th rounds of sound bites, we were exited by the audience's applause.
Other exceptional presentations followed suit, ranging from drama, spelling bee, and debates.
The height of the event was the prize giving and presentation of awards. This accompanied the head girl's speech. Derrick Anny, the head girl's final statement read:
"Don't just strife for the price, make the goal your projection. Carve a unique name, a niche for yourself. It's not enough to be the best. You can make the tassel worth the hassle. You have gained a worthwhile experience, pursue your good cause and leave a lasting legacy. Make the world your oyster. The long-term positive influence and impact, counts." Thank you.
She was cheered with a standing ovation blended with an applause.
The event pitched as the prize giving coordinator announced the best students overall for various classes. I received for my class as I walked briskly through the side aisle to the front.
The Colonel gave me a warm handshake. A plaque was presented to commemorate the best performance title. Gleefully, I beamed with a smiling face, while my parents took a quick photograph with me.
Each passing moment at Queen of the Earth School did not go without a dotting experience, birthing outstanding accomplishments.
I tried to sustain the tempo due to the prod and support I had received from my family, and school system. The pleasant environment also contributed its own quota in every sense of it. The agents of socialisation had lend a positive influence to my cognitive growth.
At Queen of the Earth school, time ticked faster than I imagined.
"Ashley, we are moving towards embracing another phase of reality", Maya said.
'That's correct, smartest girl. You can imagine the speed at which our lives have travelled right before us. Faster than I envisaged'.
'Time indeed, does not dance to our events. We can only plan our lives to work with our own timing; a good one at that. Time awaits no man. Am glad procrastination and slothfulness had not caught up with us in the event of time.'
'Maya, we have struck a deal, you know?'
'Yes, the scholarship deal is a must. We have to go for it.'
'Aside the benefits, it keeps us on our toes. It helps us not to relent. That reminds me of the head girl's speech at the 25th prize giving ceremony. The long-term impact counts, not the immediate.'
"That's why I love you, Ashely. A friend like yours is quite rare. I hope our friendship lasts beyond this sphere. You have encouraged me overtime never to relent".
'We have both encouraged each other. That's what good friendship is all about. (Ashley got a prompt on her sports watch and checks) Oh, it's almost time for our tutorials'.
'I guess Fredrick will be waiting already. Let's move then. Same venue, I believe?'
'Yes, the mini hall.'
(Ashley and Agnes)
Being in the final year is no longer a child's play. Hope you got my point?
Of course, aunty.
"Do not rely on your past achievements. You have to maintain being at the top. Life has just begun", aunt Agnes counselled.
Alright, aunty. "Aspiring for the best is what I have taken seriously over the years. I won't rest on my oars", I promised.
I trust you, Ashley. I believe we shall sustain the celebration, moving forward.
"Yes, it's a deal, I shall keep the achievements coming, and celebrations will keep soaring", I concluded.
'I won't stop encouraging you too', Agnes replied.
Thanks, aunty.
(Ashley and Friends)
Our final exams came and saw everyone within our tutorial group flying up high. Myself and Fredrick led the group this time around. Maya clinched the second position with a very small margin of two.
"The final year party is going to be one of its kind", Carrie envisaged.
'Are you that serious about the party, Carrie? Am more focused on the life after.'
'Yeah, you are right. When is your scholarship exam?'
'You're talking as if it's none of your business.'
'Not really, Maya. Just that I didn't put in for it.'
'You guys mostly see the scholarship as if it's meant for some selected few which is not supposed to be. You could have just considered it for once.'
'If your advice had come long before now, that would have sufficed. I guess it must be too late by now'. 'Yes, it is. You can always take it as you move up the ladder, probably in your 8th grade'.
Okay, I will. Thanks for the encouragement.
I believe in you, Carrie. No one is a dullard in our class. We are all exceptional in our own distinct ways.
Hi, Ashley.
Hello, Carrie.
What's up, Maya?
Am good. Just having a gist around our scholarship exam. Trying to encourage Carrie she can also take part in the 8th grade.
'That's not a bad idea, Carrie. We are all good in our class. Our school has instilled lots of confidence in us. I believe the sky is our starting point'.
"I was expecting the whole class would put in for the scholarship, actually. We need not to be terrified; not at all. It is achievable and attainable by everyone."
'I so much cherish your confidence, Ashely and Maya. Based on that, I will also put in for it in my 8th grade. You have spurred me to do more.'
"That is it, Carrie. The more spirit is the spice we can offer our dreams at this stage, to get to our desired heights."
I appreciate you two.
It is a pleasure, Carrie. See you later.
"Maya, our entrance examination is settled, but you understand quite well that scholarship examination is different", Ashley opined.
'So, we need to put in more effort. That's my discussion with Carrie, before you bumped in. She was talking about the final party, I dived in with the scholarship exam as being more important to me than any party this time around.'
You have nailed it well, Maya. That exam overrides anything at the moment. We must not be lame-duck. We can do it again, Maya.
I believe, we can, Ashley.
I later attended Marbella College while Maya, Chrisborn High School. Fredrick, Mexborough National School.
Thankfully, the Apex Excellence Scholarship award came through for us trio; Ashley, Fredrick, and Maya. Carrie had felt bad she made no attempt, and vowed to partake in her second year in high school.
A distinct feature of the Excellence award is to drive success in other students at different schools. Hence, the reason why we needed to spread across.
'Truthfully, everyone in our class can actually go for this scholarship test. Making an attempt to thread a success path is not reserved for a selected few.'
"Quite frankly, Ashley", Maya corroborated.
"Determination is crucial to steering the wheels of success. Am grateful I have travelled this road with you, Maya and Ashley", Fredrick recalled.
"It was nice having you aboard too, I stated.
There are lot of success advantages we humans take for granted, especially coming to understand is something you can skip on your way up.
So, I can confidently say a larger percentage of my classmates were not willing to stretch themselves to commit a little more beyond their current academic drives and boundaries.
Thanks to Maya and Fredrick who could steer the wheels of being exceptional and successful with me. We strengthened one another's inadequacies. That's why I will forever cherish our friendship.
"The only communication channel we can keep is maintaining our phone contacts, Ashley and Maya"; Fredrick advised. We all agreed on this, and kept that line of interaction open.
I completed Grade 9, sat for the scholarship retention examination and passed in flying colours. While the pass or cut off mark was 80%, I scored 89, clinching 2nd overall.
Fredrick came 1st with 90%, Carrie, 4th with 87%, and Maya, 5th with 85%. The least person across board, got 82%, and a total of 10 students were re-selected.
Oh, Carrie coveted a worthwhile gift and position by joining the train. After all, she made it, and we were so happy for her.
Out of the three of us who came into Marbella College through the scholarship in Grade 7, two of us were re-selected. Mariam Kensington, one of my best allies took ill few weeks into the exam, but still disgorged every bit of herself into the examination.
"Someone like you is so rare, Mariam. I love your resolute spirit. Despite how ill your looked, you still deemed it fit to sit for the exam", I commented.
"Am poised to be a leader. My parents who were sensitive enough to discover my virtues and qualities early, did all they could to bring out the best in me. I have been a top grade student from my early days in school", Mariam expatiated.
"Am quite inspired by your story. It also reminds me about my circle of friends back in my early school days. I quite empathise with you on your inability to clinch the cut off mark this time around."
Yeah, Ashley. I came up with 79%. It's so disturbing they could not just round it up for me. Well, that's not a problem. I will surely get there. Am doing it again.
I believe in you. You got my back on this. I learnt the school wrote the examination's board requesting for your reseat of the examination in the next batch.
Yes, they did.
"Retrospectively, I came first in my school when I sat for the examination the first time. I was the second best overall. I believe I could have done better this time around, but for the illness that usurped my better chances".
'Not to worry, Mariam. We are in this together. We shall ensure you come out better than you did this last time.'
Thanks, Ashley.
Hi, Anna.
Hello, Ashley.
Mariam, sure you are good this afternoon?
Yes, I am.
Am sorry about your loss in the last scholarship examination.
Oh, that's alright. I shall try my best when next the opportunity comes. Thanks for your concerns, Anna.
You have got to encourage your pal more, Mariam. I was surprised Anna bowed out of this retention examination.
So I am too, Ashley. We three have been championing this good cause. I see no reason why we can't all continue on that note.
'Ashley, am sorry. I dropped out due to fears. The examination is usually a keen contest. It cannot be taken if you are not thoroughly prepared, and exceptionally good academically.'
You have been good from the onset, Anna. So, what went wrong?
I must say, have really relaxed. Can't you see my performance is dangling between 5th and 7th these days. I listened to Terry, and it affected everything about me.
What did he say?
We were just discussing about our class and performances. He later bumped into issues bordering on the scholarship.
I did a breakdown of what the scholarship entails starting from the 80% fees paid. I added saying it's also a prestigious award that guarantees lots of other opportunities from the general retreat to other standardised textbooks and school items.
Terry said my parents were rich and could afford all of that. He said the time devoted to academic work is shutting me out of other aspects of social life. Instead, I can do a 60:40.
'The Terry you listened to also gives his best when it comes to academic performance. Although, he might not have seen far into the necessity of this scholarship.'
"In life, have realized you don't view your goals using other people's lenses. Our paths are different. We can only learn from either our successes or failures", I affirmed.
"Anna, like Ashley said, we can travel the road to success through different routes. Just find the best route for yourself. Terry can combine social life with his academic work at 50:50, and still win on both sides. Let no one discourage you. Social life is equally good, but our manageability instinct, tells on how far we desire to go."
"Thanks, Ashley and Mariam. I will ensure I do more. Even though the retention examination is gone, I will keep being the best have always been. I shall buckle up like you guys."
"Am happy to hear that, Anna. You are always welcome to our reading club. We shall get you the timetable. You can still dispense your energy into your academic work irrespective of the scholarship. Most of us are into it not for the side attraction, but because we desired to maintain being the best", Mariam expressed.
"I can testify it has helped in my school's performance ever since until I got discouraged, and dread set in", Anna confessed.
'So, you have to get back on your feet', Anna.
I will, Ashley; thanks.
It was a windy Tuesday morning around 6:30am. I could not give in to the cold and breezy weather as academic work had gotten a bit more serious in our 12th grade. It's our peak period.
I tried to straighten my pinafore as the breeze blew it in different directions, being a little above knee length with a moire design. I needed to stay outside in order to hop on the car the moment Mr Benson arrives. I have a set goal that must be met.
Ashley, can you please take a seat?
Aunty, I prefer to stand.
"Am sure, he will soon be here", I said. Alright, girl, I believe you.
In less than two minutes, Mr Benson, my dad's chauffeur, zoomed right to the front of our house. He was being employed to hasten my prompt movement to school in preparation for exams.
"Aunt Agnes, he is finally here", I announced. See you in the evening.
You take care, my dear.
I will, aunty. Bye.
As I approached my final examination period, I love to get to school at a good time, earlier than others. This helps me to settle in, and go through some of my jottings, and work. So, I suggested to dad that a private car will be more inclined in getting the goal accomplished.
"Mr Benson, sorry about the diversion that occurred yesterday resulting in us taking a detour. I guess that got you devastated a bit, leading to the lateness we are experiencing for the first time this morning", I pointed.
"My apologies, Ashley. Although, that was part of the issues. I got home a little late. Am sorry, once again."
"You need not to worry, Mr Benson. You have been so kind to me. I sincerely appreciate your genuine service", I said.
Always a pleasure, Ashley.
"Assuming I passed there on my way coming that yesterday, I could have gotten the prompt well ahead with the bollard. Work is still ongoing at the junction. Announcement has been made as to the work timeframe. Two days have been given for its completion", Mr Benson explained.
"This other road is longer, as you can see. Have decided to come a little earlier tomorrow, for your swift arrival at school", he mentioned.
What time are we looking at, Mr Benson? At about 6:30am, I will be around, instead of the usual 7:00am. Is that okay? Yes, it is. I will ensure I get ready on time.
"The way Mr Benson turned and manoeuvred his way through the several bends in a careful manner was commendable. I may need to reset my alarm tonight as he has decided to come earlier than usual tomorrow", I narrated.
"That's a good move. You need to do that now in order not to forget. Also, get your things sorted in their proper places now. That way, you focus on lesser activities tonight. You can also get to bed on time", Agnes counselled.