Finally legal!
Turning 18 is probably one of the scariest ages I have turned in my life. Before, I always thought 16 was the scariest age but soon realised that in an African household, it doesn’t give you any more power and freedom than you had before. I know turning 18 doesn’t really change anything about me as a person however, I associate the age 18 with responsibility. I’m genuinely afraid of having too much responsibility imposed upon me. I wasn’t sure if I was ready for it all. However, how would I plan on getting anywhere in life if I am not willing to take any risks and accept that I need to step out of my comfort zone sometimes?
Whenever someone is having a birthday at MUWCI, their friends usually prepare something sweet for them to celebrate at midnight and it’s usually a ‘surprise’ (everyone knows that this is a tradition so it is expected). So, the night before my birthday, my friends planned the cutest ‘surprise’ party for me in one of their courtyards. They had nicely decorated the place, baked me a cake and put on some nice music. I got to the courtyard and I was so surprised to see so many of my friends there. I didn’t know that this many people cared about me enough to show up for my birthday especially at midnight. We had a good time together eating the cake, taking photos together and reminiscing on where all the time went.
My friends baked me a chocolate Oreo cake and made me a huge poster with the most embarrassing pictures of me and the sweetest messages one could ever imagine. Overall, I had an amazing day and got SO MUCH LOVE from everyone. Many of my friends and family back home called me and sent me birthday wished throughout the day.
I can honestly say that this was the best birthday of my life, and also my best day at UWC. It was really nice to see how many people cared about me and have them express what they thought about me. It was a very humbling experience and also a call for self-reflection of my character in many different ways. Anyway 18, here I come! Please be good to me.
For more pictures, check the photo gallery section!
With Love,
Adala