Surviving the Walls

Day 1: Arrival and First Impressions

The journey to Victory High School was long and dusty. My mother’s eyes were full of unshed tears as we approached the school gates, but I tried to act brave. “You will be fine, Nkem,” she said, squeezing my hand. I nodded, but deep down, I was terrified.

The senior students helped us with our bags, but I quickly realized that 'help' came with a price. A SS3 boy smirked as he lifted my box. “Hope you have provisions, junior boy,” he said. I nodded hesitantly, knowing what that meant. I was about to enter a world of bullying and power games.

Day 5: The Reality of Hostel Life

Waking up at 4:30 AM is now my new reality. A loud iron bell clangs at this unholy hour, and we all scramble out of our bunks. The first time I ignored it, a senior poured cold water on my head. “You think you’re still at home?” he barked. Lesson learned.

The bathrooms are a battlefield. If you’re not fast enough, you’ll have to use water fetched in a bucket the night before. Some boys just pour a little on their heads and claim they’ve bathed. It’s disgusting, but necessary.

Day 10: Food Wars

Dining hall food is a joke. If you’re not aggressive, you’ll starve. Today, I managed to get a spoonful of watery beans and two pieces of yam. I was grateful—some weren’t so lucky. The seniors always eat first, and sometimes, we get only leftovers.

Thank God for my provisions—at least I have cabin biscuits and milk. But I have to be careful. If a senior finds out, they will 'borrow' it, and in this school, borrowed items never return.

Day 15: Midnight Tales and Ghost Stories

At night, when prep is over, and lights are out, some of the boys tell stories. I’ve heard about the legendary 'Madam Koi-Koi,' the ghost of a wicked teacher who haunts boarding schools. Some claim to have seen her red shoes clicking in the hallways at night.

I don’t know if it’s true, but the thought of it makes me bury myself under my blanket.

Day 20: The Principal’s Wrath

Two boys were caught sneaking out of school last night. They had planned to go to the village market and return before morning, but the security men caught them.

Today, we all assembled in the courtyard, and the principal gave a long speech about rules and discipline. Then, as punishment, the boys were given 'frog jumps' under the hot sun for an hour. It was brutal.

Day 25: Senior vs. Junior War

Seniors have a way of making juniors suffer. Today, a senior sent me to fetch water three times. When I returned, panting, he laughed and spilled half of it. “Fill it to the brim,” he ordered. I had no choice but to obey.

Revenge is impossible. We can only endure, hoping that one day, we will be seniors too.

Day 30: Letter from Home

Today, I received my first letter from my mother. “We miss you so much,” she wrote. I read it over and over, swallowing the lump in my throat. She sent me money, but I must hide it well—if a senior finds out, it will disappear.

I miss home, but I am beginning to adjust. Maybe I will survive after all.

Day 40: Saturday Inspection

Saturdays are for hostel inspection, and today was a disaster. The house captain found one sock under my mattress and claimed my corner was untidy. As punishment, I had to cut grass under the sun. I’ve never worked so hard in my life.

Boarding school is tough, but it’s making me stronger. I can feel it.

Day 50: Exam Fever

Exams are here, and suddenly, everyone is serious. Even the noisemakers have turned to scholars overnight. The library is now overcrowded, and some students wake up as early as 3 AM to read.

I hope I pass. My parents will be disappointed if I don’t.

Day 60: A Small Victory

Results are out! I passed! Not just passed—I did well. My name was among the top ten in my class. My mother will be proud.

For the first time, I feel a sense of accomplishment. Maybe, just maybe, this place isn’t so bad after all.

Day 75: Counting Down to Visiting Day

Visiting Day is in two weeks, and everyone is excited. We will finally see our families, eat real food, and get more provisions.

Time moves slowly when you’re waiting.

Day 90: Sweet Reunion

Today was Visiting Day! My mother came with my favorite food—jollof rice and fried chicken. I ate till my stomach hurt. She also brought new provisions and extra money.

When she left, I felt a pang of sadness, but I reminded myself that I had survived three months already. I can survive the rest.

Day 100: Becoming Stronger

A new junior arrived today, looking lost and scared—just like I was. I helped him carry his box to the hostel, even though I didn’t have to.

Maybe I’m changing. Maybe this place is shaping me into something stronger.

Only time will tell.