Eyelids open swiftly as I stretch my head towards the window and perceive the dawn slightly appearing, river Mirayi brightly reflecting, and the cloudy sky parting. Deep sleep, faint snores, and light bird chirps are all interrupted when the dorm lights turn on at 5:45 am, it’s wake-up time, and it’s a loud house.

Everyone is making their bed, grabbing their candies, and rushing to grab an awakening cold shower. The bathrooms are of all ages, the senior down to the freshman are all in the stalls scrubbing their night out of their braided kinky hairs. The goal is one: prepare for morning prep before the clock hits 6:15 am. After the showers, students are dressed in the armor only known to a Gashora girl: white shirt, knee-high checked skirt, and an army-green tie. Of course, if you’re a prefect you get an extra badge accessory to hang on a gray tie, and it’s on with the day.

When the clock hits 6:10 am, the matrons are closing the doors to all three dorms: Adichie(S6), Ndabaga (S5), and Grand Legacy(S4). Morning preps last for an hour till the bell is rang at 7:15 am for breakfast, the most important meal of the day. Breakfast at Gashora is my favorite. Despite the famous Gashora Gold peanut butter and jam, we slip in our bread. Gashora's bread is my number one sentimental weakness. I take two pieces of bread and gulp it down with a cup of black tea. The kitchen staff is ever-smiling, and the teaching staff is sharing breakfast is just in time to share breakfast with the students in the dining hall. Once

I check my watch, I realize my class will be starting soon. I quickly aim for the washing stalls, cleaning my cup and plate, like everyone else. When the first bell rings, the rush hours begin. Everyone runs towards their bags to grab their books and bags and arrive in class before the second bell. In between class periods, we get to a 5-minute window to grab books for the next class. I take the time to refill my water bottle at the water cooler in the dining hall.

The classes are intriguing as ever, the teacher is never the only source of information in the class, motivating the students to engage their intellect with the material. There are inclusive conversations and presentations, and some classes in the afternoons are hosted on the school’s lawn called Freedom land. The name doesn’t lie, it is a freeing spot to study, chat, and chill.

When classes end it’s either clubs or sports time and everyone is invited, the school staff and students. There are a variety of clubs and sports to explore. After that, we take showers and find the aroma-filled dining presented with plates of cassava bread and dishes of rice and isombe.

After dinner, students rush to the computer labs to book spots to tidy on the presentations, revise, or take quizzes. Others disperse in the classes to review with teachers while others hold their preps in the library. The time runs fast in the two-night preps and the bell rings for bedtime. Everyone tucks themselves to sleep, the lights are put off and it’s time to shut my eyelids again.