Sharing some lessons and experiences with my students about my undergraduate days.

During one of the free periods with my students, I decided to share some stories about my undergraduate days. I was interrupted by the bell and couldn't continue, but one of my students reminded me of the unfinished story later. She was eager to hear about my experiences, and I was happy to share them not because I wanted them to go through the same struggles, but because I hoped they could learn from them.

I spoke about various experiences, including:

📝The experience I gained from working directly with senior lecturers and the Head of Department for a good 3 years.

📝The impact and lessons I learned about building a purposeful community of friends.

📝The spirit and benefits of selfless service.

📝How I left home to sleep in the lecture room for months until it became a home.

📝How I overcame the struggle of being a second class lower to a second class upper student, despite being called a scholar with my 2:2.

📝How I managed working with lecturers while handling my primary academic assignments.

📝I sometimes left the office a few minutes to 12:00 am, moved to the lecture room, slept for a few minutes, and continued studying until 6:00 am.

📝I once stayed awake for over 5 hours to complete a course because I didn't want to sleep.

Although many of these experiences were not healthy, I had to do what it took to improve my results, and they have become part of my strength today.

My story is one of those stories of young people who never gave up trying their best and I believe that this has helped some of my students understand the importance of striving to be the best version of themselves despite the odds.

I hope they can take these lessons with them and apply them to their own lives, while in secondary school and beyond.

Afeez Olalekan SAKA ©2023 #SakaSpeaks