Unwind in CMUL: Aye Foreign Local

By: Adegoke Temilorun

Siri, play Flex by Kizz Daniel… 🎶

This title sounds like a reach, right? Yeah, kind of like the idea of Arsenal winning the UCL. Wild. But stay with me. What I’m offering is not a fantasy. It’s a mindset. A way to stay light even when CMUL feels heavy.

I recently read A Kind of Madness, a collection of short stories that redefines what madness looks like. It reminded me that madness isn’t always about losing it. Sometimes, it’s just the response to a rigid world. And honestly, a little madness is necessary. Because all work and no play really does make Jack a dull mad boy.

Before I proceed, welcome to the new semester! It’s the second leg of this long, dramatic session, and graciously (for me), it’s my final one - congratulations are in order.🤭

They say the first semester is for grades, so let this one be for the stories you’ll tell when it’s all over. And for that to happen, you need the right mindset. I’ve come up with a theme to help with that. I call it “Aye Foreign Local.” It means finding joy, freshness, even softness, right where you are. Like my dad would say, Kòlèdafóșì. In plain terms, shake off the bad vibes and keep it moving.

This semester is already looking packed. Every committee has something cooking. Therefore, I implore you to put on your spontaneous hat because it's that moment to find those luscious activities to participate in.

This is the time to showcase and give yourself a healthy break from all the lectures, postings, and labs, through various sports events. Perhaps, you might be the Yamal, Bolt, Simone Biles, or Serena that the world is waiting for. On the other hand, you can just run for the glucose –it tastes fairly nice anyway, or at least show up and cheer like your life depends on it. While at it, remember that sports participation was the only consideration for room retention this year. Just saying though.🤧

This semester will test your patience, but it will also reward your effort. So show up. Be present. Be open.

This is not the semester to be a shadow. Volunteer. Join something. Party a little. Wear something ridiculous during Fashion Week. Become a fashion police like I was for the Met gala. Take that random MC job. Explore that hobby. Go for that health week walk. Just find yourself a niche.

Fill the blank spaces on your CV with real experiences. It's time to perspire to maguire. And if you’re shy, remember no one is really watching. Everyone is too busy being the main character in their own story.

Also, fun is better with people. Go out with your friends. Eat together. Laugh together. Try new things. Oh and don’t be a Danny, so, if the vibes align, let someone win your heart. Don't lose like Barcelona.

Lastly, don’t forget why you’re here. Have fun but keep your grades close. One thing is sure. This semester will move. You might as well move with it.

Whether you take my advice or not, like and subscribe for more advice, blows powder..💨

Glossary:

Kòlèdafóșì – A Yoruba phrase that literally means “it won’t be well with poverty.” Used here as a hype line to shake off stress, bad energy, or unpalatable situations and remind yourself to keep it pushing with confidence.

Aye Foreign Local – Nigerian slang from Yoruba-influenced street culture. It humorously describes someone living in Nigeria but acting like they’re abroad, often through accent, dressing, or lifestyle. Here, it’s reclaimed to mean living soft, joyfully, and richly even within local limitations.