Veil Of Innocence

Chapter 10

                              Zainab

And now my life begins.
First week at university!

Since I’m living as a resident on campus, my orientation began 3 days ago and today is my first lecture!
The activities are great and the lecturers seem decent but, I realised that not many students here know where or what Tanzania is. So, I decided to save an image of the world map on my phone in order to properly explain where my country of origin is.
The general knowledge cooked from ignorance of some people here is so bad that I came up with a saying for my fellow Tanzanians (although few) and I to share;
“You know that saying,
‘They call it Africa, We call it home’?

Well for Tanzania it should be:
‘They don’t call it anything because they don’t know what it is, we call it home’”

And don’t even get me started on the magical stories I came up with when asked about my lifestyle in such an ‘uncivilised’ place.
Ow I put everything in; from having pet lions to living under a tree. A little sarcasm never hurt anyone.
Plus I’m very popular now.

I came here alone, I figured out everything by myself and it only made me a little more confident and independent.
Dad couldn’t come to drop me because of his disability to travel long distances and mum is busy enjoying herself on the international business trips that her husband takes her to. And even though I don’t like that man very much, I must admit, he’s keeping mum very happy, so he’s not all bad. Mum was disappointed that she couldn’t be there though but I told her not to worry, I don’t want anyone invading my freedom, this is my first ‘alone time’.

I know I know, responsibilities heighten up and all, but I’ve got the basic instinct and skills including cooking, cleaning, being organised and punctual.
Plus, Google, my saviour is always available if I do get stuck.
‘If in doubt, Google it out’.

As for friends, everyone is pretty social and cool but it will take me a while to find out who I really click with.
To find someone who is as driven as I am to learn and get good grades because I realise how much money has gone into all this but, at the same time, someone who can party and enjoy life.
Or maybe I’d have to be part of two groups; the nerds and the party freaks where I would be the glue that sticks everyone together.

Now that I am staying alone I can finally decide on which path of religion to follow and this is what I have come up with; I’ll follow the basics of both Sunni and Shia.
So always dressing modestly, wearing hijab full time, praying three times a day but all five prayers because I might be out sometimes.
Being helpful, kind and reciting the Quran (Mum made me pack all the religious necessities over video call) etcetera etcetera.

The environment has a positive vibe to it, lots of sunshine and greenery and definitely a lot more to do compared to Mwanza.
Everything here is massive, the library, lecture halls and even our rooms!
I just stand there looking at everything in awe like an idiot.
I’m sure I’ll adapt really quickly and soon, everything will look normal instead of perfect.

I have seen very little so far, I am yet to discover so much more. And there’s a fresher’s party next week; need to go clothes shopping for that!