Is it just me? – ELLA SOFTLY

Final Year, Final Exams, and the Stress I Didn’t Expect

I didn’t expect this version of myself. Not in my final year. Not this close to the end. I always thought that at this point, I would feel more confident… more ready… more sure of myself.But that’s not how I feel.It’s not that I’m not excited about becoming a doctor. It’s not that I don’tContinueContinue reading “Final Year, Final Exams, and the Stress I Didn’t Expect”

Navigating brain fog in medical school

At the final lap Experiencing brain fog as a final-year medical student is far from easy. One would assume that at this stage and point of building my career, my brain should literally be on fire and be as quick as ever, but that wasn’t the case a few weeks ago, and it still isn’tContinueContinue reading “Navigating brain fog in medical school”

On Leaving, Losing, and Becoming

This piece isn’t about leaving home; its about learning how to live when home no longer feels the same. Yesterday I was in tears thinking about home. I miss home but it’s not the same. All my times here in Europe has been such adjustment. For the most part. Coming from a protective home andContinueContinue reading “On Leaving, Losing, and Becoming”

Happy Independence Day, Nigeria🇳🇬✨

65 years of freedom, countless stories of resilience-today, I celebrate being Nigerian. Today, we don’t just celebrate the freedom we gained 65 years ago-we celebrate a culture that has evolved, the people who make it vibrant, and the many languages that continue to thrive. And we take absolute pride in this phrase, ‘9ja no deyContinueContinue reading “Happy Independence Day, Nigeria🇳🇬✨”

Friendship Day

FriendshipWhat comes to mind at the sound of that word? To me, I think of a shared mutual bond entangled in the rich mix of love, respect, flaws, and growth.As complex as it can be at times, it’s priceless. I don’t have many friends.Very few.The kind that don’t even take up all the fingers onContinueContinue reading “Friendship Day”

10 years from now

How does ten years from now look like?Ever imagined it? I’ve thought about it, and honestly, I don’t even know.I mean, I do have an idea of how I’d like it to be, though not very precise.Different locations.Different dreams.Different hobbies.A beautiful family too. I know plans are good to have. I hear it all theContinueContinue reading “10 years from now”

Soft Start: The Gratitude Thread

Last week was a hassle. It’s a new week now, and I choose gratitude. Can I just say?Fun fact about me: I love Mondays.Surprisingly, I look forward to the new week just as much as the weekend. Maybe even more. This is a gratitude post — with five lists of thanks: 1. I’m grateful forContinueContinue reading “Soft Start: The Gratitude Thread”

In Silence: Semi anniversary

I recall my last day in class. It was just…class. Nothing remarkable. I didn’t realize it would be my last—at least for a while. When classes were called off, I understood why. I was empathetic. There was unrest in the city. Political tensions rising. Democracy itself was teetering. It made sense, even if it wasContinueContinue reading “In Silence: Semi anniversary”

Ílé ncha

My mum used to call me ‘Ílé ncha’ If you speak Yoruba, you might already know what that means. It was her way of saying that I talk a lot I always understood that and partly agreed. And each time she said it in a teasing or scolding manner, I laugh it off or simplyContinueContinue reading “Ílé ncha”

In The Pause

It’s a bit sunny today. Feels like summer. 20 degree Celsius. But it feels more different than the winter’s version of the same number. It feels..nice. The ideal weather. Breezy with a caress of warmth against the skin. Everything around me is buzzing with life. It’s crowdy but in a way that invites observation SoContinueContinue reading “In The Pause”