Tolu stood in front of the big gate of her new university. Her heart beat fast. She had done it. She was now a university student.

She looked around. There were many new faces of boys and girls, carrying bags, laughing, taking pictures. Tolu wore her best dress, the one her mum helped her sew. It was simple, but clean and neat.

She took a deep breath and smiled. “This is the beginning of my future,” she whispered.

Her hostel was not fancy. It was small and had no fan but she was happy. She cleaned the room, set her books on the table, and knelt to pray.

Back at home, her parents told everyone, “Our daughter is now in the university!”  

Neighbours clapped and hugged them. Tolu’s parents were proud of their daughter. Some people gifted Tolu some items that she needed for school.

Meanwhile, Morayo was facing problems. She had stopped going to many of her classes. Her friends were always taking her to parties. They drank, danced, and came back late at night. Morayo would sleep in class or skip lectures.

One day, she got a warning from her lecturer, “Attend classes or you may not graduate,” He said said.

Morayo didn’t tell her parents. Instead, she cried alone in her room. She was scared, but too ashamed to say anything.

When she returned home for holiday, Tolu was also home. But now, she was different. She spoke with confidence, talked about lectures, assignments, and books. She even helped her parents with house chores without worrying about Morayo’s mockery.

Morayo looked at her with surprise. “You talk like a teacher now,” she said, laughing.  

Tolu smiled. “I’m just working hard,” she replied.

Deep in Morayo’s heart, she felt something strange, she hadn’t worked for anything in her life and even though she didn’t want to fail in her school, she didn’t know how to work or study hard to pass.

Later that evening, Morayo sat on her bed. She thought about her life—all the money, the gifts, the parties. She loved her life but she also felt empty. She doesn’t still understand how a very poor girl like Tolu was always smiling and full of joy.

She looked out the window and saw Tolu happily helping her father trim the flowers. She wondered how someone can be so happy to work.