ARE YOU READY?

ARE YOU PREPARED FOR IT? 

This is the question that comes to my mind when I'm thinking about another new phase of life. And within a few seconds, I'm already in a realm of reflection. Thinking and reevaluating my past actions, experiences, and success. 

Like you will agree with me, "Experience is the best teacher. Even if doesn't always lead to success, it will surely teach a lesson". 

I happened to be one of the best pupils while in Primary school. On getting to Primary 5, I was appointed as the Senior Prefect (Boy). But I couldn't wait to serve in that position cos I was already preparing to leave for Secondary School. 

To cut the long story short, throughout my secondary school days, I do feel I had lost an opportunity to LEARN, LEAD AND HAVE SOME FUN as the Senior Boy. And When it was time for my set to become SCHOOL PREFECTS in the Senior Class, I hid from the list. Although I wasn't close to being the Senior perfect, some friends wanted me in for a post which they felt I could handle. But I knew I wasn't prepared for it. TAKING the Lead is not about cracking jokes and making people smile all the time. It requires a lot than that for me. 

Sincerely speaking, I had series of funny characters in me. And I share great HUMOR with FRIENDS. 

At 16, after my SSCE, I was privileged to have my first TEACHING EXPERIENCE in a private school at Agege, Lagos. I was told a night before my first day in class that I was going to MAN basic 6 cos they needed a teacher. I was scared at first. But I remembered that I needed this. And refusing it will be a cheat on my nature. Before then, I never had the patience to cope at length with kids, most especially when they misbehave. But trust me, I learned and practice patience to a reasonable level, cos I needed the kids to get me clear and flow with me. It was the same time I had enrolled in a computer school. It added to my joy to teach cos I knew I had enough values to offer. And I did my best. That made me felt I was prepared. 

At 19, I had always try my best to improve. I struggled to find a way to get myself into Arabic school. I knew I needed to add more value to myself cos I always see something bigger before me. But my enthusiasm led nowhere at that time. So, I enrolled for JAMB and I chose UNILORIN because I heard I could be in school and still attend Islamic centers. That's how voracious I was. I got admitted to study HEALTH EDUCATION. And I found an Arabic school to learn, and the journey continued. 

There was a day, one of my lecturers in the university came into the lecture room to request assistance on a Word document. I looked around me. No one offered to help. And I also hesitated. Cos I don't want to be too attached with lecturers. It happened again another time, this same lecturer called for help. And I SHOWED UP. 

Before this time, we were trying to appoint a COURSE REPRESENTATIVE in my department. I voted against some people they nominated because I felt they might not have the time to do it. I was busy thinking of whom to nominate, and someone somewhere just nominated me. I felt it was a joke cos I knew most of my friends do not take me seriously cos of my jovial character. It became an argument and a clash of interests. And I was finally called to SERVE. 

 

Being the Course REP then was a very challenging one for me. But I took it with the little courage I had. That was when I realized that there is a big GAP between LEADING PEOPLE TO LAUGH and LEADING PEOPLE to ACT AS TEAM. 

With my little experience, I became a VALUE in my Department at that time, working with LECTURERS and having access to words of wisdom from TOP PERSONALITIES. Then I started having DEEP INSIGHT ABOUT LEADERSHIP and why I need to do MORE. I learned selflessness, practice honesty, and supported a great course.

I joined two teams that also shaped and widen my HORIZON into the HUMANITARIAN WORLD. Red Cross taught me selflessness, sacrifices, and leadership in essence. While Athletics taught me determination, perseverance, endurance, and resilience, and life in its totality.  

All these are what got me ready to see myself in another leadership role, where I will have the privilege to PRACTICE all I've learned over time. And I'm always willing to give my best to things. 

I got appointed as the General Secretary for the Muslim Corpers' Association of Nigeria (MCAN) in Plateau State. This was another 6 months leadership journey for me. I remember a time we couldn't successfully mobilize new corps members from MANGU CAMP to MCAN Secretariat so that we could organize a warm welcome and give them a proper orientation about their ways as MUSLIM CORPERS in Jos. Our leaders told us THIS IS A TOTAL FAILURE. And I couldn't help but cry within me. Cos, I knew it was my fault. I was the secretary. I should have allowed things to be done properly. This charged me a lot, and I ensured that it doesn't repeat itself in the second batch. It was a tough journey for me with heavy responsibility. I had to inform the Director at my PPA that considering the new office role, I might not be able to meet up with some tasks in the school. So, I took the responsibility as if it was a PAID one. Trust me, a lot was sacrificed. But I got out of it alive. 

I wouldn't have scaled through if I had not gotten some basic knowledge required to manage the office. Most especially, ICT SKILL, and my little knowledge about the RELIGION of ISLAM. This coupled with a series of lessons and stories shared by my parent, lessons learned from my lecturers and coaches, the help and support I got through some TRUE FRIENDS. And my resilience to remain my POSITIVE SELF in every situation, my enthusiasm to always serve, and being inquisitive to take chances to learn while I lead a course. Knowing fully well that there is always a big task ahead of me. 

My Dear Friend, 

Opportunities don't wait for you to prepare. You should prepare Yourself for it.

I've lost some opportunities because I had not fully developed myself for it. I keep facing the challenges to break the odds and get things done. Even though I had a lot I know I have to prepare for. I'm making use of this little privilege I have to project myself and my career. I serve with the little strength I have, like if I have more, I will do more. 

While the season keeps reshaping the world. With the global requirement of ethical leaders to lead great change in the globe. With the strive to help younger generations see the beauty of PREPAREDNESS for the FUTURE. With the personal goals and career trajectory.  The world needs you than ever before. Your impact will always be felt. You need to keep your time, knowledge, and skills updated for the tasks ahead. It's good to ask you as I ask myself that "ARE YOU PREPARED FOR IT?". 

Till we meet some other time. 

I remain your humble friend, 

Afeez Olalekan, SAKA. 

Youth Leader|Teens Coach|Change Maker | 21st Century and Life Skills Trainer|Global Asset.

Firstly Shared: May 2, 2020

I shared it when I was looking forward to some big opportunities and good news. But it became a mirage. However, the journey still gets interesting every single day. No regret. Every experience is an opportunity to learn and do better. #SakaSpeaks