The new academic year is on and we have new freshmen on campus. Freshmen, if my mind is to resonate with that of whoever coined this term, because they are green about campus.
For Freshers that have already joined campus, I want to believe that you have started your orientation. For those that are yet to, I know you can now tell the meaning of acclimatization period without having to first open a dictionary.
You only need a day or two during orientation for your fret to be toned down. And some of you are already feeling like you know it all because there is nothing new that has reached your ears.
There is one thing common with campus orientation year in, year out. It is this exciting sex talk – regardless of age, anything to do with sex leaves many licking their lips.
There is this elderly man or woman (for some reason it is never the youthful) that has boldly told you to abstain from sex and given you 1000 or so reasons to do so. The submissiveness in you has convinced you that you are going to heed to this advice. And I am not saying you are not going to.
If you are the kind that met your highschool girl/boyfriend the very day your senior woman teacher reminded you that coupling is illegal in school, keep your eyes peeled.
Dear Fresher, I will not tell you to abstain from sex because you have already been told to but the ‘Dora the explorer’ in you has convinced you that exploring you must. Tighten your seatbelt, the ride might be a bumpy one.
Campus is extremely exciting. If you thought you were here for those boring afternoon mathematics lessons, you are misplaced. At last, you are free! Free from that nagging parental watch and tight marking. However, how you use this freedom can build or ruin your future.
As you start your campus journey, I want you to ponder the quote from veteran American Show host Ralph Pierre Lacock. He said: Our liberty is not the right to do as we please, but the opportunity to do what is right.
Depending on your family background and/or your religious affiliation, sex at campus may be acceptable or a taboo. As a fellow compatriot, sex is legal in Uganda for all adults (above 18). However, when you meet those from the Phaneero movement, they will tell you sex before marriage is a sin. Of course, the choice is yours to make.
If you have opted to try this sex thing, then prioritise your safety. I know the infections and risks that come with sex may not be news to you, but the positive HIV status of that good looking handsome tall man or of that well shaped brown girl with a bold nyash may be reason enough to cause your premature death as result of shock.
I don’t know about other universities, but most halls and hostels at Makerere University have condoms, endeavour to grab at least three whenever you are visiting your course mate for that night discussion.
Whenever you are possessed by that temptation to eat it raw, lest you forget having your partner tested or using the after pill.
Then I have heard stories of this demons of anger that has had many girls sexually used in the name of them getting something to eat for supper. Funny as it is, these are stories you are yet to encounter.
It’s that time you stopped being extravagant unless you are financially able to sustain your extravagance. Why would you crave chicken weekly when you only eat it on public holidays while home?
If you are the kind that is not used to alcohol, this is not the time for you to learn drinking. Your child is not ready to hear of how you conceived at a friend’s house party.
I want to believe that you are not as green as you were. I wish you the very best of stay at campus.
