The transition from home to university. It's like entering a whole new world, filled with both excitement and uncertainty.

Leaving home was hard. Suddenly, I found myself in a new place, surrounded by unfamiliar faces and places. It felt like stepping into a different universe, but as I settled in, things started to feel more familiar. I met new friends, explored the campus, and learned how things worked. Before I knew it, that strange new place started feeling like home.

But, here's the catch while university life became familiar, some things from home started feeling strange. For me, coming from a home or family rather, that puts a strong emphasis on prayer, discipline and structure, regular meal times, and education, it was a bit of an adjustment. The routines and rituals that were so familiar to me at home suddenly felt different in this new setting. However, I have learned that it is important to embrace both the familiar and the strange. it is about finding a balance between holding onto the teachings and values that are important to me while also being open to new experiences and perspectives. 

Speaking of teachings, there are two lessons that I believe are deeply ingrained in my ethnic group and have shaped my worldview. Respect for elders, In my culture respecting elders is a fundamental value. We're taught to listen to their wisdom, seek their guidance, and honor their contributions to our community. This lesson has taught me the importance of humility, patience, and learning from those who came before me. Value of education, coming from a family that prioritizes education, I've been taught from a young age that knowledge is power. Education opens doors, broadens horizons, and empowers us to create positive change in the world. This belief has fueled my passion for learning and driven me to pursue my academic goals, even in the face of challenges.

My network is like a big web of connections, with each thread representing someone special in my life. At the center of this web are my family and high school friends, the people who know me best and have been with me through thick and thin.

Let us start with family. They are like the sturdy foundation of my network, always there to support me no matter what. Mom is like my personal cheerleader, cheering me on through every success and comforting me through every setback. Her love is like a warm hug that I can always count on.

Then there are my siblings (I have 6 siblings), my partners in crime, and my best friends rolled into one. We may fight like cats and dogs sometimes, but at the end of the day, we are always there for each other. Whether it is sharing inside jokes or helping each other with homework, we have each other's backs.

Now, onto my high school friends. They are like the branches of my network, reaching out into the world and bringing back all sorts of experiences and stories. We may have different interests and paths in life now, but our bond remains as strong as ever. We reminisce about the good old days, laugh at our embarrassing moments, and support each other through life's ups and downs.

In my network, there is a lot of exchange going on. With my family, it is all about love and support. We share our joys and sorrows, our triumphs and failures, knowing that we're in this together. Whether it is a home-cooked meal or a heartfelt conversation, the exchange is always genuine and heartfelt.

With my high school friends, the exchange is more about shared experiences and memories. We swap stories about our adventures, share advice on everything from relationships to career choices, and offer each other a shoulder to lean on when times get tough. It is like a constant flow of energy and connection that keeps us bonded no matter where life takes us.

Reflecting on my network, I realize how lucky I am to have such amazing people in my life. Each connection brings something unique and valuable, whether it's love, laughter, or support. Together, they form the foundation of who I am and shape the person I'm becoming. And through it all, the exchanges that take place are what keep our bonds strong and our connections meaningful.

In Ngozi's TED Talk, "THE DANGER OF SINGLE STORY", she expertly analyzes the distinctions of identity construction through language in literature. She illustrates how the manipulation of language can perpetuate stereotypes and create false representations of people, ultimately leading to the marginalization of certain groups. One of the examples Ngozi makes is the parodic portrayal of African characters in Western literature. 

We must question whose voices are being heard and whose stories are being told. By embracing the complexity of identity and embracing the multitude of narratives that exist, we can move towards a more inclusive and equitable society. In conclusion, we should harness the power of language to build bridges, not barriers and strive towards a future where every voice is heard and valued.