An unforgettable event : Leaving Home for the First Time.

Growing up, I was always a day student all through my primary school years. My routine was simple—I’d wake up, get ready for school, go for classes, and then head back home once school activities were over. Home was always waiting for me. I had my family around, my mum’s warm meals, the comfort of my own bed, and the familiarity of everything I’d grown used to.

But then everything changed when I got into JSS1. I was placed in a boarding school, and just like that, I had to leave home for the very first time. It felt like being pushed into a whole new world I wasn’t ready for. I remember packing my bags with my parents, and even though I tried to be excited about it—because everyone made it sound like boarding school was this big adventure—deep down, I was nervous. I didn’t know what to expect.

The day I arrived at school, everything felt strange. The hostel was noisy, filled with people I didn’t know. The bunk beds, the smell of ironed uniforms and disinfectant, the unfamiliar routines—it all felt overwhelming. I tried to be strong, to act like I was fine. But that night, when the lights went off and everything got quiet, I couldn’t hold it in anymore. I cried.

Not the loud, dramatic kind of crying. Just soft, silent tears. I lay there, staring at the ceiling, missing home so much it hurt. I missed my mum's voice calling me to come eat. I missed the comfort of my room, the feel of my own bed, and just being surrounded by people who really knew me. That first night was the hardest.

And then came the part where I had to start doing things on my own. No one was going to wash my clothes for me. No one was there to remind me to arrange my locker or help me find things when I misplaced them. I had to learn to wake up early, fetch water, take care of my uniforms, and figure out my way around a system I wasn’t used to. It was a lot for someone who had never really been away from home before.

At first, I struggled. There were days I felt like running away, like packing my bags and going back to the life I knew. But with time, something changed. I started adjusting. I found a routine. I made friends. I even got used to the hostel food and the early morning bells. Slowly, I began to enjoy some parts of it—like the late-night talks in the hostel, the feeling of independence, and the sense of responsibility that came with doing things for myself.

Looking back now, that experience taught me so much. It showed me what it means to grow up. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me discover strengths I didn’t even know I had. Being away from home for the first time wasn’t easy, but it was necessary. It was the beginning of a journey toward becoming more independent, more responsible, and more self-aware.

And even though I still missed home a lot in those early days, I’m grateful for what that experience gave me. It was tough, yes—but it helped shape the person I am today.

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