College was where I mastered the art of not showering every day. There was a time when I was twelve, my cousin and I refused to take a shower for two weeks. We felt like it was a way to rebel against our aunts and uncles who wouldn’t take us out. But when I becamean adult, it wasn’t out of rebellion that I chose not to shower but instead not having the time.
Self-care, when it came to hygiene, didn’t exist in college. We had papers to write, money to make and dreams to chase. But shower, Nah. Taking a shower meant you were WEAK!
You can stroll into class in your PJs, sweats, or even the same sweater you wore for a month straight. There was something about the intensity in college that made you wonder what made you so reluctant to take showers. Yes, you made sure to brush your teeth but shower- man, you have to think thoroughly about how taking that 5-10 minute shower will really contribute to your wellbeing. I didn’t make the connection until now.
I remember how in college, I decided to go to the gym frequently. If it’s a part of tuition might as well use it. After such physical activity, I knew that it was in the world’s best interest that I’d shower. As a good Christian with morals, I would shower immediately after a workout but as a good Christian with flaws, days went by, and I didn’t work out- you’d probably hear crickets in the shower.
It’s true that I remember how good I felt after a workout and a shower. How amazing it was to go to the dining hall and eat a salad before dinner with friends! But why do we sometimes take moments like that for granted and forget the good that it does us rather than harm?
I don’t know the reason for this. I’m grateful that, although it took years, I learned to prioritize my self-care and take showers, drink water and make sure that every now and then I eat a salad.
Kou T. Nyan 