Kobby Optson

Adolescence is a make-or-break stage in the life of everyone. During this period, young people undergoing various physical, emotional and psychological transformations are faced with many crucial decisions which have lasting impacts on their lives. The presence of wise counselors or guides are very pivotal to successfully navigate the challenges that confront them. Some youth are very fortunate to have been brought up in good homes with commendable role models to emulate, while others, through no fault of theirs, are abandoned to the mercy of available peers – bad or good - who train them for better or worse; depending on their upbringing and consistent presence in their lives.

In the light of this, it is prudent to critically evaluate institutions – such as the boarding school system and other structures that seek to assemble various groups of vulnerable young people. Once operated with effective supervision and adequate infrastructure, the boarding house can prove to be a transformative haven that spurs growth, instills discipline and gives youngsters a foretaste of independent life (though temporal).

Since these systems have become a part of us now, this book is designed, based on experience in the system, to help freshly-admitted and continuing students avoid some crucial mistakes my peers and I made during our High School and University days. Some of these mistakes have cost us dearly to the point that some of our peers have lost their lives as a result of wrong choices and decisions.

It is my sincere hope that the lessons and advice shared in this book, together with the pearls of wisdom from parents, elders, teachers and counselors will be meditated upon and considered by readers, so as to help them become successful and responsible adults who will positively impact their generation.