Adesua the Cheat

In my previous post, I began exploring the profound impact of friendship, and today I'm here to fulfill my promise of sharing more of that journey.

It was midway through my second year (second year) at university when I forged a new friendship that proved pivotal. Both of us had struggled with similar courses in our first year (100 level), leading to a shared experience of academic setbacks. Little did I know that this encounter would not only change my approach to exams but also challenge my perceptions of others.

Let me introduce you to Adesua (if you know, you know). I had noticed Adesua during a test in our first academic year when some acquaintances pointed her out to me. She often submitted her test and exam papers quickly, leading me to believe she must be exceptionally smart. However, when I mentioned this to some classmates, they laughed it off and attributed her speed, and that of another, to their access to leaked exam questions. I felt disappointed, as I had been taught never to cheat and preferred to rely on my knowledge during exams. I believed in passing or failing with honor. Besides, Adesua was so pretty that I hoped her beauty would match her brains. However, I soon discovered that first impressions can be misleading.

One evening, on the night before a crucial exam, Adesua and I happened to meet in the same class to study. I had studied diligently and felt prepared for the carry-over papers until she approached me for help with past questions. Adesua explained that she had been ill for a while and could not prepare for the upcoming papers. She wanted my help to answer a few questions from a bunch of past question papers she had gathered, as there was very little time left to prepare. I empathized with her and wondered how she would cover so much material within the few hours left before the exam. I was also confused because of the initial rumors I had heard about her. If all I had heard about her was true, how did she still manage to fail these papers? Empathy replaced skepticism, and I agreed to assist and look through the questions to help her. Besides, it was never in my blood not to help someone with whatever knowledge I possessed that might be beneficial.

Little did I realize that would be my saving grace because, to my surprise, reviewing those questions revealed my lack of preparedness. Unlike Adesua, I had relied solely on textbooks and notes, ignorant of the importance of past papers at our university. Grateful for her timely intervention, I admitted my shortcomings and asked her to share the answers to the questions if she found them, which she graciously did.

She was hesitant about the papers, but I assured her that God would show her mercy, knowing that her inability to study was due to illness, not intentional negligence. As fate would have it, many of the questions we reviewed appeared in the exam the following day, leading to a favorable outcome for both of us. I was immensely grateful.

The incident opened my eyes to the fact that this girl seemed to carry favor, and God was blessing her and choosing to show her mercy. Immediately, I recognized this, and I wanted to meet her again to study with her and key into the grace upon her at that time. Because we were not close friends, I didn’t have her contact information or any means to find her to even say thank you.

The next day, we coincidentally met again at the same study venue (though I don't believe in coincidences; I believe that God orders our steps, even when we don't realize it). Another paper was coming up, and the same scenario unfolded with her having multiple question papers and my inability to answer most of them. Once again, we wrote the exam, and the same fortunate outcome occurred.

Now, I had one final paper left to write, and somehow, Adesua had already passed that one. I was a bit anxious, but as my nerves were getting to me, I mentioned it to her. She laughed and reassured me not to worry, saying that God would help me with that paper, and indeed He did.

It is safe to say that this unexpected success marked the beginning of a unique friendship founded on mutual support and understanding.

One day, I shared what I had heard about her in our first year, and she laughed uproariously. Through our discussions, I learned that Adesua's apparent aloofness during exams was a strategic choice to avoid cheating. She revealed that whenever she didn't know the answers, she simply finished and submitted quickly, rather than waste time or ask others for help, preferring to fail honorably. I realized that many things I had heard about her were lies, and we shared many values.

Beyond academic success, this experience taught me the importance of discernment. Rumors and first impressions often obscure the truth about others. Adesua's integrity and determination shattered stereotypes, revealing a kindred spirit with shared values.

So what does this have to do with friendship besides encouraging you not to cheat and to learn to know people before you judge them or believe what others say about them? Well, while reflecting on my journey with Adesua, I'm reminded of a biblical parallel involving Joseph, Potiphar, Jacob, and Laban.

Potiphar was a smart man. He was observant enough to realize that everything Joseph did blessed him. He recognized the anointing and gift of Joseph and prospered by leveraging them wisely, making him a very wealthy man. Unlike Joseph's uncle Laban, who was jealous of Joseph's father’s (Jacob’s) prosperity and antagonized him until he fled with his blessings and anointing, leading to his (Laban’s) "downfall,"

Similarly, like Potiphar, the Holy Spirit’s grace helped me recognize Adesua's unique abilities, enriching me by first helping me pass my papers and later helping me foster a friendship rooted in authenticity and mutual growth by giving me a friend who is more like family to me now.

Too often, we observe others who possess special gifts or anointing. Instead of drawing closer and finding a way to benefit from that blessing, we waste time being jealous, angry, or trying to compete with them, ultimately missing out on the opportunity to tap into the grace in their lives.

If you recognize a blessing in someone, like Potiphar and Pharaoh did with Joseph, use it to your advantage. Joseph's anointing brought wealth to both of them, while my friend Adesua was the answer to my prayers of not repeating and a vital player in my life’s success story.

God will send blessings your way to answer the prayers you've earnestly prayed for. But when he does, be wise and seize the opportunity. Don't let jealousy, rivalry, or the need to compete distract you from the target.

In closing, I invite you to reconsider your perceptions of others. Genuine connections often defy expectations and offer invaluable lessons. Look forward to my next blog post, where Adesua and I will continue our story, illustrating the enduring power of friendship.