I had only ₦2,000 left in my account.

It was Monday, and I still had three weeks before my parents were supposed to send money.

That morning, I needed to print an assignment, buy food, and somehow survive transportation for the week.

I sat in class pretending everything was fine when my course rep announced:

“Everyone must submit the printed assignment before 4pm today.”

I almost laughed.

After class, I checked my account again, hoping the balance had magically changed.

₦2,000.

Then my roommate walked up to me.

“You look worried. What happened?”

I told her.

She simply said, “Come, let's sort the assignment first.”

She paid for my printing.

I wanted to protest, but she said, “When you have, you can return it.”

That evening, my mum called.

“Have you eaten today?”

I said yes.

She laughed.

“Don't lie. Check your account.”

She had sent me money.

I stared at the screen and smiled.

Sometimes, university teaches you that survival isn't always about having enough money.

Sometimes, it's about having the right people around you.