chapter 10

When the time came for Anjola to start secondary school, his grandmother decided to transfer him to a new school, after noticing his change in personality in his previous school. Anjola began his junior secondary years in a new school called '' Bery Chrysolite High School''. He was apprehensive at first, unsure of what to expect in a new environment. But as he walked through the halls of his new school on the first day, he felt a sense of optimism. Maybe here, he thought, he could start over, make new friends, and leave behind the horrible memories from his primary school. As the day passed, Anjola began to settle into his new routine. He joined clubs and activities that interested him, determined to make the most of his new opportunities. Slowly but surely, he began to open up, trust his classmates, and allow them into his life. In class, Anjola found himself faced with a whole new world of subjects and challenges. The curriculum was much more demanding than what he was used to in primary school, with complex equations and abstract concepts that often left his head spinning. But despite the difficulties, Anjola found that he had a natural aptitude for learning. He soaked up new information like a sponge, absorbing it and internalizing it until it became second nature. His teachers were impressed by his intelligence and work ethic, often calling on him in class to explain concepts to his classmates. As the months passed, Anjola was known as one of the smartest students in his class. He won awards for his academic achievements, and his confidence grew with each passing day. All seemed to him until one day, as Anjola sat in class, his mind focused intently on the lesson at hand. He had been enjoying his time in secondary school, feeling like he had finally found his place in the world. But suddenly, he felt a sharp pain in his back, one that he knew all too well. It was a sickle cell crisis, and he needed medical attention immediately. His classmates watched in concern as he rushed out of the room, their whispered questions and worried glances following him out the door. Anjola tried not to show he was in pain as he walked down to the school's sick bay but on getting to the sick bay, there was nothing they could do to help at that moment. so, Anjola was loaded into the ambulance, in the ambulance, all Anjola was doing was praying that he would make it through this crisis as he had all the others.  When they got to the hospital, Anjola was placed on admission, as he lay in his hospital bed, hooked up to machines and monitors, Anjola couldn't help but wonder how his classmates would react when he returned to school. Would they treat him differently? Would they see him as weak or broken? He closed his eyes, trying to push the thoughts from his mind. Just as Anjola's thoughts were beginning to spiral out of control, the door to his hospital flew open, and his grandmother rushed in, her face streaked with tears. '' Oh, Anjola,'' she said, rushing to his side and taking his hand. '' I was so worried about you, How bad is the pain?'' Anjola tried to speak, but his throat was tight with emotion. seeing his grandmother so upset only made the tears come faster until he was sobbing uncontrollably. '' Shh, It's okay, my child,'' his grandmother said, stroking his head gently. '' Everything is going to be alright'' she assured him. After a few days in the hospital, Anjola was finally ready to return to school. He was nervous as he walked through the school gate, expecting to be met with stares and whispers. But to his surprise, his classmates greeted him with smiles and hugs. '' Anjola, you're back!'' they exclaimed, rushing to his side. '' We were so worried about you. Are you feeling better?'' Anjola was stunned, not sure how to respond. He had expected them to treat him differently, to see him as less than they had before. But instead, they welcomed him back with open arms, their concern and warmth overwhelming. '' I.....I'm feeling much better, thanks,'' he managed to say, his eyes filling with tears of gratitude. '' Thank you all so much for caring about me.'' As Anjola was settling back into his seat, he heard footsteps approaching from behind him. He turned to see his teacher, Mrs. Adeniyi, standing there with a solemn expression. '' Anjola, I'm sorry I wasn't around when you were in pain,'' she said in a tone that showed her sincerity. Anjola looked up at his teacher, his eyes wide with surprise. He had never expected to hear those words from her. ''Thank you, Mrs Adebiyi,'' he said, his voice soft. '' I appreciate this ma.''

Despite the challenges he faced, Anjola continued to enjoy his time in junior school. He found solace in the company of his few close friends, who stood by him through thick and thin. They were there to support him when he had a sickle cell crisis. They were there to check up on him whenever he went to his doctor's appointments which had become a regular part of his life. And in between the crises, Anjola found moments of joy. He discovered a love for music, Arts, and scientific aspects of his studies. He excelled in his classes, his intelligence and hard work earning him the respect of his teachers and peers. Anjola's three years in junior school drew to a close with a blink of an eye, Anjola found himself standing on the brink of a new adventure. Senior secondary school loomed ahead, a vast and intimidating unknown. But despite his nervousness, he felt a sense of excitement as well. He had come so far in the past few years, overcoming obstacles and achieving more than he ever thought possible. Senior secondary school was a whirlwind for Anjola. He threw himself into his studies with a renewed sense of purpose, determined to make the most of every opportunity that came his way. And the hard work paid off. By the time graduation rolled around, Anjola had achieved something remarkable. He had earned straight A's in his WAEC exam, and his JAMB score was the highest in the school's history. His teachers and classmates were in awe of his accomplishment, and Anjola felt a sense of pride and satisfaction that he never experienced before. As he walked across the stage to collect his award, he knew that he had come a long way from the sickly child he his. And as he looked ahead to the future, he knew that the sky was the limit.

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