By Michael Ainomugisha
Missing an exam is one of the most unsettling experiences a student can face. For me, it wasn’t just a test; it was the final step in a journey I had planned meticulously like any other student would. I had always set educational goals for myself, worked hard to achieve them on time, and was confident as I began my final semester of Uganda Christian University’s Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Communication programme. Everything seemed on track in the final semester; my coursework was complete, my research was submitted, and my marks were above 40 out of 50. I was proud of what I had achieved.
But there was a stumbling block: I had not yet paid my tuition balance. This is something many students face because of this unpredictable world. I hoped, as in previous semesters, that it would be resolved in time. When I finally got the funds, I went to pay it on the day of my exam, arriving at the accounts office an hour after the audio-visual paper had started. The process took about 30 minutes, and by the time I finished, it was too late to sit for the exam. The university policy did not permit me to sit the exam.
The shock was immediate. I could not believe that a minor delay had kept me from graduating on schedule. I thought perhaps there would be an exception, a chance to take the exam later, but it was not possible. I had to accept that I would have to wait until the exam was next offered on the academic calendar, and it would be a long time.
At first, the months ahead felt heavy with disappointment. I met friends and peers who had already passed milestones I was still working towards, and I struggled to explain why I hadn’t graduated, something I believe many people go through. There are many people dealing with a dead semester, a missed exam, a retake, or a missed semester, among other situations that may prevent you from graduating.
Many could not understand what I was going through. But, the Stoics say, “focus on what you can control”. I realised that while I could not control the exam I had missed, I could control how I responded. I decided to focus on what I could learn and accomplish during the waiting period.
I took on a volunteer role at the university newspaper, The Standard. Over time, I grew into more responsibilities, assisting with editing stories and designing pages. I also discovered the need to develop my photography skills. I began volunteering with university sports teams, travelling with the football, volleyball, and other sports teams to cover game days. I took photos, shared them on social media, and contributed to the newspaper and wider university community.
The delay, which had initially felt like a setback, became a period of growth. I travelled across the country for sports coverage and even covered East African university games in Maseno, Kenya. I accepted freelance opportunities with larger organisations. I learnt to turn frustration into productivity and discovered skills that I would not have, had if I had graduated on time.
During this time, I also worked part-time as a freelance intern writer for Uganda Christian University Partners’ communication department.
When the opportunity to take the exam finally came in May 2025, I approached it with focus and preparation. Alongside four other students who had also missed exams, I dedicated myself to studying and engaging fully with the material. The result was an A+. Completing that paper was more than academic success; it was the culmination of months of patience, reflection, and personal growth.
Looking back, I see the value in the experience. Missing my exam and delaying graduation taught me lessons I would not have learnt otherwise. I learnt that setbacks, while painful, can become opportunities if you focus on what you can control. Volunteering, learning new skills, and staying engaged turned a period of uncertainty into one of growth.
I graduated eventually, yes, but I also built skills, resilience, and experiences that continue to shape my path. I did not stop volunteering, and I continue to look forward to more opportunities to enable me to grow. My story is a reminder that even when plans are disrupted, it is possible to move forward, stay positive, and turn challenges into achievements.
