Birthdays are moments to cherish. Celebrants choose how to mark their day in merriment, reflection, or service to humanity. For first-year AUN Business Administration major Mmaolisa Uchendu, spending quality time with physically-handicapped kids, lightening up their faces with laughter, and showering them with gifts is the definitive fun idea on her special day. On January 27, 2023, a few days after her matriculation Ms. Nmaolisa invited her friends and well-wishers to the Jimeta Center for Deaf Pupils, where they marked her birthday with the members of the community.
The birthday girl and her friends gave the special needs children exercise books, pens and pencils, snacks, and beverages.
Their hosts received the unexpected rain of gifts with joy and thankful hearts. They might have challenges hearing but know exactly what to do under an atmosphere of grace. They cheered and hugged; they clapped and touched their benefactors. They thanked them profusely and prayed for them. They sang a happy birthday song to the celebrant using sign language, telling her "we love you." How the human spirit defies physical handicaps to convey thankfulness remains one of life's enduring mysteries; sometimes, gratitude comes with a gaze, the warmth of a touch, and wet eyes.
Ms. Nmaolisa was overwhelmed: "everyday, we celebrate life, but on my special day I felt like doing something different, and to give to people who don't really have much. Just to see life from another perspective is a privilege for me and for which I am grateful to God. Seeing what people are going through and due to no fault of theirs motivates me to do something, the little I can. Life is not easy but for some, it is even worse".
A spokesperson for the management of the Deaf Center thanked the AUN student with her friends and Mr. Ahmed Aliyu, Assistant Director, Community Service, for always putting smiles on their students' faces.
Reported by John Abah