Immediately after completing high school, I was filled with happiness and excitement. I believed my life would be filled with beautiful red roses. My good grades had earned me a place at the university of my dreams.

This university would carry my goals, dreams, and memories while I focused on what I loved. I even hoped to find my special someone and create unforgettable memories while focusing on what we truly loved and hoped a successful achievable future.

I imagined the university as a place of beautiful and inviting sceneries, with sparkling clean floors and students walking in groups laughing and discussing excitedly. Lovers held hands and chatted harmoniously, some heading to the gardens while others rushed towards the huge, well-decorated library.

The library was full of many rows of awesome books for self study, exams revision and varieties of thesis research materials. The thought of one day stepping inside the famous library sent tears of happiness streaming down my cheeks, doing lots of damage to my self-applied makeup.

My journey of thoughts didn't stop there, as chains of thoughts kept criss-crossing my young mind. I wondered how it felt to settle into university life. I thought of making new friends and discovereing new interests as I was tired of being a lonely wolf. Probably I may join clubs and participate in events as I was ready and willing to feel and enjoy freedom that I never had.

I felt like I have finally find my place in the world. But as time went on, a thought at the back of my head sent me back to reality with a realization that life isn't as perfect as in imaginary and fantasy world. Reality is always filled with ups and downs. In addition to having challenges and setbacks which divided people in groups of either survival or lost hope.

I knew that I may struggle with some of my courses at sometime, and there were times when I will feel overwhelmed. I also knew crystal clear that I would fall victim of homesick. Definitely I had to miss my family and the comfort of home. There would be moments of, feeling alone,lonely and self doubt. But pushing forward is the only rule to survive in such a world, as most of the people are determined to make the most of their university experiences.

When it comes to love, I must admit that I had never truly loved anyone. However, I had many admirers, including some secret ones. There were a few I had feelings for, but I never reciprocated them, thanks to my strict mom. My mom's strictness was both a blessing and a curse. She protected us fiercely, but it also meant that I missed out on some experiences full of lessons to learn from.

I often wondered what it would be like to have a boyfriend, to share secrets and dreams with someone special. To love someone and be loved.But I always respected my mom's wishes and focused on my studies.But I hopes of discovering love, a four-letter word that makes people cry, blind, and dumb, especially when they find their true soul mates never dwindled instead it added curiosity and yearning to my little health heart. That's the path I had prayed, fasted, and wished to walk down as fast as possible.

My mom was always known all over as "The Scary Tigress." She earned this name after severally scaring away suitors lining up for my elder sister's attention, Zanille. Zanille was the fairest of them all, blessed with both beauty and brains. Her angelic innocent face allowed her to escape troubles unscathed which resultedtoher being the naughtiest kid without anyone's realization. My mom was not only tough on boys but also on girls because of my brother, Lameck. He was known for his celebrity-like figure, sharp brains, and a talent in hockey.

Lameck almost immortal like appearance, with sharp stunning features and a confident aura. His intelligence was unmatched, and his great talent on the hockey field made him a star. He was the golden child, the one everyone admired. A pride of his mother, the only son of the family.

I know you're impatient and curious as cats to get to know me. Sorry, but not so sorry to disappoint you because I was the black sheep—naughty, stubborn, and rebellious. But I also had my strengths. I have always been good at swimming, enjoyed running cross-country, and when it came to academics, I always topped my class. My looks were ordinary which were way below my mom's and siblings stunning appearances. For a longtime, I had thoughts of doing a DNA test for self assurance that I am my mother's last child. I never doubted being my father's child because we were birds of the same feather.

My dad had an unassuming yet intelligent appearance. He wasn't the type to stand out in a crowd, but his eyes always sparkled with a quiet wisdom. His hair, neatly combed and starting to gray at the temples, added to his distinguished look. He often wore simple, well-fitted clothes that reflected his practical nature.

As a husband to my strict mom, he didn't escape her toughness. Yet, he always managed to handle her stern demeanor with grace and patience. Despite the challenges, he stood by me like a rock, shielding me from the storm that was my mother. His presence was a constant source of comfort and stability in my life.

Dad was always kind and honest, traits that earned him respect both at home and at work. He had a well-paying job at an electrical government company, a position he worked hard to attain and maintain. His dedication to his job was evident, but it never overshadowed his commitment to his family.

Oops, I seem to have wandered off the beaten path! Let's get back on track, shall we?

In the end, I bitterly understood why roses have thorns; they serve as a poignant reminder that beauty often comes with pain. All the dreams I wished to turn into reality never saw the light of day, leaving me with a profound sense of loss. Yet, amidst the disappointment, I found a strange solace in the resilience of those dreams, much like the rose that continues to bloom despite its thorns.