The sun hung high in the azure sky, casting a golden glow over the sprawling Moon university campus, where a vibrant energy pulsed through every corner. Students thronged the hallways, their laughter and conversations creating a symphony of youthful exuberance that rang in the air like a celebratory anthem.
Clusters of friends animatedly discussed the latest campus gossip, while others meandered with their heads buried in books, occasionally lifting their eyes to share a smile or a nod with passing acquaintances.
The sprawling university grounds, adorned with lush greenery and dotted with benches, were alive with life. Some students lounged against the warm stones, their faces turned toward the sun.
A group nearby was sprawled in a patch of wildflowers, their backpacks strewn haphazardly around them, serving as makeshift pillows as they ruminated over a challenging assignment.
Meanwhile, in the southeast corner of the campus, the atmosphere shifted. The staccato rhythm of footsteps led students toward a large, brick building, where the doors swung open to reveal a lecture hall brimming with anticipation.
The soft murmur of murmured conversations spilled out from within, where eager minds prepared to absorb the wisdom of their professor.
Inside, rows of students took their seats, their notebooks ready, pens poised to capture every insight that would flow, eagerly waiting for the lecture to begin—a microcosm of academic ambition amid the vibrant chaos of campus life. The lecture immediately started,they were covering the History of Asante kingdom.
The lecture hall was adorned with vibrant African art and surrounded by rows of students, the atmosphere buzzed with the unmistakable energy of curiosity and engagement.
The professor, a charismatic figure with a cascade of silver hair and a warm, inviting smile, leaned slightly against the lectern. His eyes gleamed with knowledge as he wrapped up a discussion on the Asante Kingdom, an influential empire full of rich history and cultural significance.
"Alright, let's conclude for today," he said, his voice resonating across the room, converting the previous chatter into focused attention.
"I hope you now understand the Asante Kingdom, the fight for the stool, and its enduring purpose!" The authoritative yet approachable tone carried a hint of encouragement, inviting all to reflect on the wealth of information shared.
As he turned his gaze toward Renny, a caramel skinned,medium tall young lady with an afro and an eager expression to learn, the professor's demeanor shifted slightly, embracing a more personal touch.
Renny, having made the journey from America to study in this vibrant nation, seemed both excited and slightly overwhelmed by the different culture surrounding her.
"How is Ghana treating you Smith?I hope you haven't encountered any problems," The professor inquired.
"Ghana is great, thank you," Renny replied, her voice laced with a genuine enthusiasm that contrasted with the slight hesitation of an outsider navigating an unfamiliar world.
"That's good," the professor responded, nodding appreciatively. His voice softened, carrying an air of guardianship. "If anything bothers you, ask anyone around for help." The words hung in the air, an affirmation of community and support that resonated within the walls of academia and beyond.
Renny's face broke into a relieved smile. "Okay sir, thank you," she replied, her voice brightening as she absorbed the professor's encouragement.
The professor then carried his laptop and moved out after the one-hour lecture.
"How is Ghana treating you?" Suddenly, a bright voice said, but one could tell that it was a female voice, she had just adjusted her voice so that she could imitate a male voice.
Renny turned around and saw that it was Ewe Rose,a dark skinned girl with skin as smooth as silk standing behind her with a bright smile, displaying two dimples on either side of her face. Her braids were neatly tied behind her head.
Renny helplessly shook her head with a smile. Ewe and her two close friends,Edi and Nandi were the first people she met on her first day at University,they showed her care and made her welcome.
"Ewe! What if Professor Tommy hasn't gone far and he hears you?" Renny warned; however, Ewe didn't take her words to heart as she chuckled.
"Professor Tommy is always asking that very question every lecture!" Another girl with a round afro said as she gently smiled, standing beside Ewe.
"Nandi is right," a boy with a clean crew cut said as he adjusted a book bag on his shoulder.
"Edi, you also know that Professor Tommy is just worried about me. After all, I am new in Ghana. You were also like him when I just arrived," Renny helplessly smiled as she said, standing up and picking up her laptop bag and water bottle before heading outside the lecture room.
"Well, you had just arrived in Ghana. I had to ask; however, Professor Tommy is different. You spent one month in Ghana so far, but he still asks," Edi replied, following behind the three girls. Renny smiled at him and didn't comment any further.
"Ah! It's Alu! He came to school!" Ewe suddenly screamed, startling the rest, whose attention turned towards the direction Ewe was facing. Nandi and Edi wore surprised expressions. Renny also followed their example and saw a strikingly handsome man with a slight smile; his smooth skin shone as the sun cast its shine on him.
He wasn't wearing his usual clothes but a kente wrap; however, he didn't look out of place at all. Instead, it highlighted his strong shoulders and forearms, which looked particularly handsome.
The boy was talking with some elderly school staff who showed a humble attitude despite being his elders, which Renny found odd. She had been in Ghana for a full month, and what she gathered was that elders were respected by their juniors, and any slight rudeness to elders was considered a grave mistake.
Students who were walking nearby also stopped in their tracks and silently stood aside. Some strong men in suits also silently followed behind them vigilantly; they looked like bodyguards at first glance.
"Who is that?" Renny couldn't help but ask as she looked at the scene before her in puzzlement.
"That is Alu Asantehene III! He is the direct successor of the throne! The son of Asantehene II! He is so handsome!" Ewe explained as she exclaimed like a fangirl.
"So he is like a prince? Does he also go to school here?" Renny curiously asked.
"Not like a prince! But he is a prince and yes he goes to school here.He studied in the UK in his younger days, but he completely refused to go back for his higher studies and chose our university. He has encouraged the youth to pursue education and invested heavily in science; overall, he is a role model for many, young and old," Nandi calmly explained. She seemed to have snapped out of her surprise, unlike Ewe.
Renny nodded in understanding as she turned her eyes back towards Alu in deep thought.
"Let's go and have lunch before our favorite restaurant gets crowded," Edi suddenly reminded the girls. Alu had already disappeared from their sight, so their attention came back. A few murmurs and exclamations of surprise could be heard around the university compound, and unsurprisingly, they were all about Alu. It seems Nandi didn't exaggerate; Alu really had a well-built reputation. The group then headed towards the school restaurant.