Olasubomi Akintola
Hello Mother,
I know we speak to each other regularly on the phone but every time we talk, I still hear the concern in your voice: Am I ill? Am I eating right? Am I happy? Am I okay? The truth is I am having the experience of a lifetime. I miss you, but I’m fine.
The plane that took me from Lagos to touch down here in Newcastle – technically not the same plane, there were two connections after all – was what opened the door to the wealth of opportunities here. As you know, Roli was there to pick me up from the airport. What’s that saying about old friends being gold? She really has been a treasure. I loved Newcastle the minute I stepped on the ground. The breathtaking scenery, the combination of old buildings with modern architecture, I know you’ve seen the pictures but you really do need to be here to take it all in. The people are so kind! I mean, I hardly understand a word of what the local folk say, it honestly is ridiculously hard to decipher the Geordie accent, but I try and I learn a lot of new words every day. Alreet ma? (Alright mum?) The toon’s (town’s) great. I’ve made lots of friends. You wouldn’t believe how large the Nigerian community in Newcastle is. I’ve also made many friends from several other countries. The university is like a condensed version of the world.
Also, contrary to what you think, I am not living in the hotbed of iniquity. Yes, I am being funny. There are a lot of religions practiced in Newcastle and as luck would have it, there is a church not five minutes’ walk from my flat so I do go to church every Sunday. I love it there. There is something about the worship services that reminds me of church back home. There is also the Christian Union which is a group of students that meet every Friday to worship. They basically help to support my faith.
Now, on to what I know you’re really concerned about, academics. That is what I’m here for. I know I got here late, but I have caught up with the coursework and I am doing quite well. As for that concern you had about Biomedical Sciences not being a challenging course? I’m happy to prove you wrong. Not too happy, mind. Sometimes, it’s difficult to wrap my brain around some aspects. My modules are more detailed than I thought sciences could be. And constant tests keep you on your toes. But I am really enjoying it! I particularly look forward to the practical classes. I love working in a lab which reinforces my decision to stay on the Biotechnology course.
I have been house hunting for a place to live in next year. As much as I love my flat in dear old Ricky Road, and my lovely flatmates (my family here), I really want a house for next year because I want a bigger bed. Just joking, I think it would be nice to have a house and live like a grownup even though it will involve cleaning. I am also planning on getting a job to relieve the stress on you and Dad at least a little. The Careers Service at the school is really helpful with that kind of thing.
I don’t know how to convey in words the adventures I’ve had; the thrill really, of just being here: travelling around England with friends, spending Christmas in Coventry with Akin. I know I never said it, but I was scared to leave home and come here. I was terrified that I would be all alone without you to take care of me. To be honest, I haven’t been alone since I got here. There’s too much to do for me to sit around feeling homesick. And I really surprised myself by how much I am able to do on my own – and without thinking twice about it! I guess what I am saying is, I really have grown up in the past eight months and a lot of it has to do with living thousands of miles away from home and knowing I can’t run to you at the slightest difficulty and depend on you for every little thing however much you may want to help. I believe that is what growing up is.
That said, I do miss you, and your jokes, and your cooking (cooking for myself really isn’t fun!) and your insistence on being the one to do the laundry.
Say hello to Dad for me. Show him this letter. I know he isn’t as worried about me as you are since he was in this same situation though it was many years ago. I miss you too Dad! Tell Ibukun that I love her and miss her and I wish her a safe trip to New York.
I will see you all in the summer.
Love Always,
Ye Dowtor (Your Daughter),
Ola.