ADEKUNLE ZAINAB ADENIKE. MASS COMMUNICATION. ND 1. FULL TIME. F2403493.
Walking through the gates of The Polytechnic, Ibadan in 2024, I carried hope, ambition, and a deep desire to find my place in the world. I was admitted to study Mass Communication a field I had always been curious about, yet knew very little of in practical terms. I imagined clarity, direction, and structure. What I encountered was something different: a complex mix of growth, confusion, and quiet transformation.
Living in the hostel brought its own reality check. For the first time, I was far from the comfort of home, surrounded by new faces, new routines, and expectations that often felt overwhelming. The environment was vibrant, yet I often felt like a quiet observer, unsure of where exactly I fit in. I didn’t take part in clubs or student activities not because I wasn’t interested, but because I was still trying to understand myself. I spent more time adjusting, thinking, and learning how to navigate both academic demands and personal doubts.
Looking back now, I understand that sometimes, feeling lost is part of finding direction. The Polytechnic, Ibadan wasn’t just a school for me; it was a mirror. It showed me where I was, and quietly asked me where I wanted to go. That question still lingers and I’m learning to answer it, one step at a time.