THE VERY FIRST DAY

The clock ticked softly in the background as the aroma of Jollof rice and fried plantains filled the small dining room. I was sitting at the table with my family\, just a regular weekend dinner. My brother was busy telling one of his classic “back in my day” stories\, like he was even grown yet *eye roll* my sisters was picking at their food without much enthusiasm\, and mum was quietly watching us all.

Just as I took a bite of the spicy rice, mum cleared her throat, and the room went a little quieter.

“Ah, Ameenah,” she said, looking straight at me, “I have something to tell you.”

I swallowed my food, suddenly a bit nervous. Mum rarely made announcements like this during dinner.

“You know your SS3 final exams are coming up, right?” she continued.

“Yeah...” I replied, trying to keep my cool.

“Well, starting Monday, you’ll be attending extramural lessons every Monday to Friday . They’re meant to help you prepare better for WAEC.”

I blinked. “Every week days?

Mum nodded with a smile that tried to be reassuring. “Just until the exams are over. It’s going to be tough, but I know you can do it.”

My brother gave me a thumbs-up from across the table, and one of my sister, the youngest one to be precise 'Asmaa' chimed in, “At least you’ll get extra help. No more blaming teachers!”

I sighed, putting down my fork. Weekdays freedom was officially on hold, it seemed.

But deep down, I knew mum was right. This was serious business. The kind of stuff that could change everything.

So, I took another bite of the rice and tried to mentally prepare myself for what was about to begin.

Monday

The sun was still stretching its first golden rays across the sky when Mum pulled the car up to the gates of SEC. The air was crisp and carried that unmistakable scent of early morning, fresh paint, wet grass, and a hint of excitement. My heart hammered against my ribs as I stepped out, clutching my bag tighter. Today wasn’t just any Monday. It was the day I officially joined SEC as an SS3 student preparing for WAEC.

We approached the main entrance, where a few students milled about, their voices echoing through the courtyard. That’s when I noticed her, a girl kneeling just inside the gate serving punishments it seems, her arms crossed and eyes fixed on me like I’d just interrupted some secret meeting. Her glare was sharp, unapologetic, and honestly, a little intimidating.

Mum smiled politely and said, “Excuse us, please. Could you help us find the proprietor’s office?”

The girl’s eyes flicked from me to Mum, and for a brief second, her expression softened. She gave a curt nod and pointed down the main corridor. “Go straight ahead, then take the first left. You can’t miss it.”

“Thank you,” Mum replied warmly.

As we walked, I stole a glance back at the girl. She stood there watching us, like she was already sizing me up as the new kid in town. I wasn’t sure if I was ready for the silent judgment of my soon-to-be classmates.

We reached a large wooden door, polished and bearing the letters “Proprietor’s Office” in gold. Mum knocked gently before stepping inside.

The man who greeted us was taller than I expected, with kind stressed eyes behind a pair of spectacles a cap i later learned covers a pretty smooth always bald head and a smile that instantly puts one at ease.

He greeted mom immediately she stepped in, turned out they were friend way back from University days and he was pretty much a family friend,

“Ah, OMG!,  you must be Ameenah” he said,

"its been a long while, oh look how grown you are, you were this little the last i saw you, do u still remember me?"

"ermm no, you feel familiar but im sorry i really dont remember you" i said timidly

"aww, i know you wont, wat of your siblings?", he asked

"they are fine"

 “Welcome to SEC. here we train people to be successful and be good role models and ambassador of the society” he said with a big smile showing his white set of straight dentitions.

"Thank you sir" i said with a smile

Mr. Bello gave me a reassuring nod. “I’m more than just the proprietor or your teacher,” he said with a playful seriousness. “I’m your Godfather here. That means if you ever need anything aside from studies; advice, help, or just someone to talk to, you come find me. Deal?”

I smiled and nodded, feeling the weight of his words. It wasn’t every day you had someone like that in your corner at school.

After some paperwork and a quick test to assess my placement, the usual routine followed, photographs, ID cards, and introductions. The school buzzed with energy, but I felt grounded, knowing I had the support of people who cared.

As Mum and I left the office, she squeezed my shoulder. “This is just the beginning, but you’re ready.”

And with that, the doors of SEC didn’t just close behind us, they opened wide for everything the  year would bring.

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