EPISODE 3 - Soma & Richard

XY DIARIES EPISODE 3 | Soma & Richard — Academic Probation, Delayed Graduation & Resilience Sometimes, the decisions we make with the best intentions lead us down paths we never expected. And sometimes, the hardest part isn't just falling behind, but finding the strength to keep going when it feels like everyone else is moving forward. In Episode 3 of XY Diaries, Soma and Richard share their experiences with academic probation, the emotional weight of an extra year in university, and how the experience changed them. Soma opens up about switching from Civil Engineering to Computer Engineering, a decision he describes as one of the worst of his life. The switch came with complications involving his courses and units, eventually leading to his probation. He shares a painful encounter with his former HOD that left both him and his mother devastated. He also recounts the brief moment of hope he experienced when he thought he had finally made it into final year, only to be moved back to penultimate year probation just three weeks later. Despite everything, Soma reflects on how the experience built his resilience and gave him the thick skin he carries today. He believes that without going through that difficult period, he wouldn't be the person he is now. Richard shares how he began to suspect he would have an extra year even before his Industrial Training (IT), after the way his exams went. He talks about the disappointment he felt from his father, the feeling of being left behind, and how his relationships with his former coursemates changed after he couldn't graduate with them. For Richard, it was a painful experience that forced him to confront a reality he never wanted. Two different stories. Two different experiences. One shared reality: academic probation can change you in ways you never imagined. XY Diaries is a platform for honest conversations about university life, academic struggles, delayed graduation, personal growth, and the experiences students often find difficult to talk about. If you've ever experienced academic probation, spent an extra year in university, or watched your mates graduate while you were still trying to find your way, this conversation is for you. Watch the full episode and subscribe to XY Diaries so you don't miss the next conversation. What stood out to you from Soma and Richard's stories? Share your thoughts in the comments. #XYDiaries #AcademicProbation #ExtraYear #DelayedGraduation #UniversityLife #NigerianStudents #PersonalGrowth #Graduation