Ghanaian rapper Guru opened up about his challenging first year back in university after being out of school for over 15 years.
Determined to experience the full academic journey as a regular student, rather than taking online classes or enrolling in mature entry programs, he found the transition emotionally demanding.
To avoid drawing attention, he spent the entire first academic year wearing nose masks and hoodies, feeling self-conscious in a classroom filled with much younger Gen Z students.
The environment made him uneasy, and he often relied on a friend for support when entering lectures. Being back in a classroom after so many years, surrounded by peers he did not know, left him unsure about how he was perceived and hesitant to fully engage.
Over time, however, he gradually adapted to the setting. By his second and third years, he had gained confidence, started shedding the mask, and felt more comfortable participating in academic and campus life.
The experience, while initially intimidating, ultimately helped him reconnect with learning and navigate a new chapter in his life with greater assurance.
