How does change affect you?

 “Obafemi Awolowo University", I practise under my breath as the bus veers right.

The first time Lade, my new roommate heard me say it, she burst into uncontrollable fits of laughter saying I sounded comical.

Well, it's not my fault, maybe my dad's though. He made me change my first choice of university from Delta state university to Obafemi Awolowo University and, even though I know OAU is one of the best in Nigeria, I don't like the fact that I'm so far away from home.

He said,“ I know you, every weekend you will come home. It's better like this, you'll learn how to be independent...” blah, blah, blah. At least he brought me here but vanished almost immediately after.

I have a lot of adjustments to make, the lifestyle is so different. It's been going pretty well though. Thanks to Lade, my amazing roommate!

The big school signpost standing just ahead automatically pulls me out of oblivion. Lade had described it perfectly, there's no way I can miss it. I would have gone with her this morning but she had to branch somewhere before heading to school. So, I'm on my own (see, I'm already learning Independence).

As we draw near, I say, “match!" The middle aged woman sitting beside me gives me a weird stare but I'm not sure the driver heard me...

“Match am!”, I say louder but he continues driving. I'm getting confused and as I open my mouth to shout, the guy sitting in front beats me to it and says, “driver, O wa" and the bus comes to an abrupt stop.

After we alight, the guy throws me a knowing look, chuckles and says,“ This place no be Warri o. Next time, say O wa not match!"

I smack my forehead as it dawns on me,“Ooh! I should have known that it's different here. Thank you"
Wow! There's so much I have to learn...

Have you ever found yourself in a similar situation? Where you find yourself in new/unusual place and there's a need to adjust?

Please feel free to share in the comment section below... I really love/appreciate your feedback🤗

Joy_Ande