Dear Senior Ndidi: The Senior Who Taught Me How to Be One

All through my years in school, be it my nursery, primary or secondary, I had a lot of seniors, but I only had 2 truly unique ones throughout my school years. The first was Tony (I will tell you about him another day), and the second was Ndidi.

You see, Ndidi was a special senior to me. We never really chatted for longer than 5 minutes while I was in school, but those 1-to-2-minute conversations meant a lot to my 12-year-old self. Ndidi was always smiling; I never saw him frown or look sad, and that was a nice thing to me because I liked people who smiled, it was, and is still, a welcoming gesture to me. Another thing I liked about Senior Ndidi was that his smile was not just welcoming, but beautiful. He had this very wide smile, which was more beautiful because he had a good dentition. I think this is where I developed a dentition fetish, but that’s beside the point.

Also, my wonderful senior was dark-skinned and very tall. I realized very early in my life that I liked tall people,there was something about their height that made my little self look good. I liked his height, and he knew how to carry himself, a very commendable feature. This was important because good posture and carriage were, and still are, things I admire. 

Did I mention I liked his name, Ndidi? I didn’t know the meaning, but it was a name that suited him. I think there was another name people called him, but as we can see, I don't remember because I never learnt it. He was always Senior Ndidi to me, and still is. One of the things I loved the most about this unique senior of mine was his aura. His aura was like an invisible force that brought joy, light, peace, calmness, and happiness to my life every time I saw him. I even felt him at times before I saw him, the aura was that strong. 

Senior Ndidi's diction was superb. I liked the sound of his voice, the way he pronounced his words, the timbre in his voice, and everything that had to do with his voice. Watching him speak made me so happy, I can't even explain the feeling. In summary, he had a very nice voice.

Ndidi remains a special senior to me because no matter where, when, and how many times he saw me, he always wanted to know how I was, and never left till he was sure I was fine. For those who knew me in secondary school, you will know I really didn't need that kind of protection. I was like a mini king of the boys in my school, I didn't need any senior’s protection because I had my guys, my gees, my personal goons, who had my back always. So, Ndidi asking how my day was went a long way for me. Rescuing me from would-be bullies was always a cute and funny scenario for me, because if he had not arrived, I would have taken care of the wannabe bully. I always appreciated the rescue and to date find it comical. It was funny when he gave me free rein to report anyone to him. I have never forgotten this privilege, even though I never got to use it.

So, to my dear Senior Ndidi, I hope life is treating you well. I wish you the best in all your endeavors. Thank you for being a great senior. Thank you for being a model example that a senior doesn't always have to bully their juniors. Thank you for the persistent and unwavering care, even after school. Thank you for being a silent influence in shaping me into the type of senior I became later in life. Thank you for the smiles, the kind words, the gestures, the after-school care, the protection, and for all that you did for me. May the Heavens bless you in abundance for all that you did. As you continue to light up my world with your smile, may you never know sorrow, and may your life be sweet and wonderful. 

From your shy junior,

Your French Teacher’s Daughter.