CNF: Expectations Lead To Disappointments.

My country's educational system is a mess, and for that reason there are schools you don't get admission into because you merited it but because you had someone help you get into it. In schools like that, as long as you are applying for a professional course, one that has a lot of people applying for it, even if you meet the requirements, your application will be set aside, and you will stand and watch those who do not merit it get admitted while you get nothing. No one dreams to be small. It's funny how many people, even without anyone to help them, still apply for schools like that.

A fresh high school graduate hoping to further my education in college, and pursue my dreams of becoming an engineer, but it has to be in one of these schools with high prestige and a school that is well respected, and that way I will be able to carry my shoulders high and be able to boast because schools like that are hard to get into, and it is a thing of pride to be able to get in.

Source

"So Kachi, you are done with high school, and it is time to further your education in college. Which college do you have on your mind? Don't forget, it should be one we can afford." My dad asked with a reminder not to go for something beyond the family's budget.

"Dad, I want to apply for FUTO; it has always been my dream to apply there." I responded.

"FUTO's school fee is affordable, no doubt, but it is very difficult to gain admission there; strings must be pulled before you can get admission there." My dad said as he rested his jaw on his right palm.

"That is exactly why I want to go there; it is hard to get in, but once I do, it will be a thing of pride both for me and for you." I Said to get my dad on my side.

"My son, I like good things too. FUTO is well respected, and I would love for you to go there too, but I don't think that is a good idea. I think we should look for another school where we are sure that once you merit it, you will be able to gain admission there." My dad advised.

"Dad, please, I have already imagined what life will look like there; if things change, my dreams will be tampered with." I pleaded.

"We can talk to my brother Murphy, who is a lecturer and a professor there; I am sure he will be able to help." My mom, who was in the kitchen, chipped in.

Hearing this, my face shone bright like the morning sun with smiles all over. "Mommy, thank you." I said to my mom as I turned to hear what my dad had to say.

My dad gave it some thought and almost did not want to say anything, more like he did not want to go with that, but since that is what I wanted, it left him no choice.

"Okay, we can work with that, and hopefully our expectations are not cut short. I will call him immediately after this conversation," my dad said after a long silence.

I watched my dad pick up his phone and dial the number. They talked, and my dad said his reason for calling, and the conversation went on for over 20 minutes. I did not leave; I waited till the end of the phone call just to hear what they discussed.

"He agreed to help, and he said you will need to do well both in JAMB and in the entry exams (post-UTME); once you do that, you can leave the rest to him." My dad said after the call had ended.

I bounced out of the living room, and with the conversation I just had, my hopes were high, and my expectations were very high too. I believe I can do well academically when needed, and all I needed was someone to help pull the strings when the time came, and now I know I have an uncle who can do that. All my problems were solved. As expected, I sat for the Joint Admission Matriculation Board (JAMB) exams, and I did well. I also sat for the school's entry exams, and I did well too, and now the ball was in my uncle's court.

"Uncle, good evening, sir. I just wanted to let you know that both my JAMB result and post-UTME results are out, and I did well. I am looking forward to what you can do for me." I said to my uncle over the phone.

"You have nothing to worry about. I assure you that there is nothing stopping you from gaining admission into FUTO. I know people, and I also have slots, so I will give you one slot." My uncle assured me, and that made my expectations go even higher.

Source

I call him almost every day to remind him that I am waiting and hoping for him. My friends who applied to schools that are easy to get into started gaining admission, and I have not heard any positive news from my uncle, and at some point he stopped taking calls and won't return any. It was at that point that I knew my expectations were about to be cut short, and all my dreams of studying at FUTO came crashing down before my eyes.