Abyss of Shades

Chapter 4: A chance encounter

The completion of the inaugural semester's assessments has been a demanding and challenging experience, as was expected. The process of preparing for exams is often grueling, yet students continue to recognize the importance of excelling in their studies to ensure a successful academic career.

In order to tackle the rigorous exams, my companion Peter and I decided on a strategic plan. We recognized that time management was key and therefore dedicated ourselves to studying for each unit test the night before it was distributed. This study plan involved carefully reviewing our notes, revisiting any material that we were unsure of, and ensuring that we comprehended all of the fundamental principles of each unit.

Furthermore, we found it highly beneficial to make use of textbooks and exercise books' notes during this time period. Textbooks and exercise books can be a valuable resource when preparing for exams, as they provide in-depth explanations on subjects that may not have been covered in class, or that require further clarification. This allowed us to delve deeper into the course materials and gain a comprehensive understanding of the material, enabling us to perform better in the exams.

In addition, some exercise books provide simplified notes that can aid in becoming familiar with answering exam-style questions, resulting in a greater sense of preparedness on the day of the test. With these techniques, we were able to stay on top of our studies, without feeling overwhelmed by the need to cram everything into a single study session.

As the exams drew to a close, numerous undergraduates eagerly anticipated returning home for the holidays. For me, this entailed reuniting with my loved ones and friends in Kisii. The excitement of returning to my hometown and reconnecting with everyone I had not seen in months was already palpable.

A singular individual that stood out in my mind was Wycliffe, my closest friend and confidant, who still resided in my hometown. Our friendship dates back to our primary school years and it would be an immense pleasure to reunite with him after being separated for such a prolonged duration. The thought of our shared experiences and the prospect of discovering the stories of his life over the past few months was indeed captivating.

The experience of returning home, after a prolonged period of time, is a feeling that is often challenging to put into words. It is a sentiment that can only be comprehended by those who have gone through a similar experience. There is an inexplicable sense of solace that comes with the familiarity of seeing familiar places and people that you have not encountered in a while. It provides a sense of belonging and connection that can often be elusive in other aspects of life.

In spite of any changes that may have transpired during your time away from home - the construction of new buildings or the dismantling of old ones - there remains a reassuring sense of comfort that is synonymous with returning to familiar surroundings. The sights, sounds, and smells of the hometown continue to evoke fond memories and a sense of nostalgia that is difficult to replicate.

Moreover, the prospect of exploring the changes that have occurred since your last visit is an exciting proposition. Perhaps a new restaurant has emerged in the downtown area, or the landscape has transformed due to the implementation of developmental projects. These changes often serve as a reminder of the inevitability of progress and provide insight into how society is evolving.

Despite all of these changes, the opportunity to reunite with family and friends and catch up on all of the news and events that have taken place since your last visit is a highly-anticipated event. The shared experiences and relationships that are rekindled during these reunions provide a sense of continuity and strengthen the bonds that were formed before one's departure. In essence, returning home is a cathartic and enriching experience that provides a sense of connection to one's past, present, and future.