Hey ,

It’s Monday, and I know the feeling—that

"where did the weekend go?"

realization as the hustle of the week kicks back in.

It has been over two weeks since we last spoke.

I’ve realized that no matter how much we plan, life often has a way of throwing something unexpected at us.

If you were online last week, you likely saw highlights from the 56th Convocation ceremony at the University of Lagos.

As a storyteller and photographer, my week was a blur of shooting and editing with almost no sleep.

But this email isn't about my schedule.

, if you were following the news, you might have also seen the story of a young lady who passed away just a day after her convocation.

Her name was Maryam.

She was a friend of mine and a member of this very community.

Processing her death took a real toll on my mental health.

It was a lot to handle, but I’m finding my footing again.

I’m not sharing this for pity, but for reflection.

While the blogs picked up her story for clicks and traction, I want to share a different side of Maryam.

Out of all the graduates last week, Maryam seemed like the happiest of them all.

I saw it in the memes she shared and the way she danced during our photo session.

For her, graduation wasn’t just about finishing school; it was proof that she was a fighter.

Maryam lived with Sickle Cell Disease. She dealt with constant crises and hospital visits, but unless she told you, you’d never know.

She was energetic, full of life, and always had a smile ready.

I loved bantering with her about her football club, Manchester United

(she would have been so happy to see them beat Arsenal!)

She loved books, poetry, flowers, and the simple joy of dressing up.

After processing the grief, I realized something:

even though she was taken in her prime, she lived with no regrets. She lived fully, and she

"died empty"—leaving nothing on the table.

So, , as you go about your daily grind, I want to ask you the big question:

Are you living fully?

Living fully isn't just about your career. It’s about whether you love deeply, smile often, and laugh wholeheartedly while you chase your dreams.

I’ll leave you to ponder that.

Until next time,

Your friend,

Omótèsó