A Birthday to Remember: A Double Celebration.

Growing up, my birthday has always been a special occasion because I was the anniversary baby. It was on that same day that my parents got married. I was fortunate to have enjoyed so many countless birthdays throughout my childhood. My parents ensured that my birthdays were always celebrated.

However, after I lost my dad during my junior secondary years (in my JSS3), that affected everything. Though my mom did not stop the celebration, she still did. Even when schools were in session, she usually sent my guardian money to celebrate my birthday (I attended a boarding secondary school).

Along the way, when I got admitted to the university, the annual tradition of celebrating my birthdays stopped. My mom had more pressing needs to attend to, and also, being someone who never saw birthday celebrations as a do-or-die affair, it did not really affect me.

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After my defence.

The year 2020 was a turning point in my life as surprise birthday celebrations began to grace my life once again. Among these so many surprises, my birthday in 2023 so far stood out. It was a double celebration for me as my birthday coincided with the day I did my external defence for my master's thesis.

The day began with an unexpected and heartwarming surprise: I got a brand new phone as a gift. I was caught off guard by this sweet gesture because it was perfect timing. My phone had been giving me serious issues, and I needed to change it. I was already saving towards doing that, so when I got a brand new phone as a gift, I was filled with joy and gratitude.

My thesis defence was satisfactory. My external examiner was not only impressed by the content of my thesis but also by how I was able to present and express myself so well, which was evidence of all my hard work and dedication throughout the process of my research. He was also impressed with how my PowerPoint presentation stood out for its beauty, clarity, and uniqueness, all thanks to my boyfriend, who took the time to help me prepare a very captivating and beautiful presentation. I felt a deep sense of accomplishment, knowing that all my efforts were appreciated.

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Surprised food tray.

Cake from my baby.

After my defence, I was welcomed home with a beautiful and sumptuous food tray and a cake. Personally, I feel no birthday celebration is complete without a cake; cake holds a special place in my heart. I also got a mini cake from my goddaughter; according to the mom, who is a chef, Zoe kept telling her to bake a birthday cake for me. I was overwhelmed with the love and support I received from friends and family both far and near. It was indeed a day filled with so many unexpected surprises and heartfelt moments.

Looking back on that memorable birthday, it was a day that I achieved a great milestone in my academics, a day that holds a special place in my heart because it is a testament to double celebration, and I am grateful for the blessings in my life.

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