Good evening once again ma'am. My name is Sanusi Ibukunoluwa, a 400-level student. We are VSS and we are passionate about Celebrating Success Stories.
Can we meet you ma?
Good evening Ibukunoluwa,
My name is Olatide Esther Arowolo, a recent Law graduate from Olabisi Onabanjo University.
Once again, we say congratulations on your outstanding academic achievements! Can you share with us what drives your passion for learning.
Thank you.
I have always been driven by a strong desire to succeed and make my parents proud. From a young age, I understood that achieving great results required hard work and dedication. I recognized the importance of learning and self-improvement, and I've continued to invest in myself. I believe that adding value to myself today is a wise investment, as it will yield rewarding results in the future.
How you balance academic excellence with other aspects of your life?"
Usually, I prioritize tasks and manage my time effectively. While I enjoy leisure activities, I always keep in mind that academics (and my spiritual growth) come first. I strike a balance between having fun and staying committed to my responsibilities.
Many times, I have had to paste sticky notes on my room walls about the things I am meant to prioritize or sometimes create and alarm, just for reminder.
I speak with excellent seniors a lot, hold intelligent conversations with them, they have once being in my shoes, so sometimes I just learn from their experiences.
So my last question for you tonight ma'am is that "Academic excellence requires dedication, hard work, and perseverance. Can you tell us about a particular challenge you faced in your academic journey and how you overcame it to achieve your outstanding results?"
One of the toughest challenges I faced was during my second semester of second year, when my CGPA dropped despite my hard work and academic diligence. Although I had studied hard, but I wasn't seeing the results I expected. I worked even harder the next semester, spending long hours in the library (sometimes crying silently), but my CGPA dropped again. I felt tempted to give up on making a first class at some point. However, the encouraging words from my parents, mentors, and friends gave me the strength to carry on. I conducted a personal introspection to identify my mistakes and reminded myself of my goal. I maintained my faith and eventually, in the next semester, my hard work paid off. During that phase, I trusted God more and continued believing in myself.
Wow. What would be your advice to the undergraduates who are on the verge of giving up on their academics, but still desire the kind of academic feat you achieved.
As an undergraduate, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the demands of academic life. The pressure to perform well, and the fear of failure can be suffocating.
But before you give up, take a step back and re-evaluate your goals. Remember why you started this journey in the first place. What drives you? What do you want to achieve? Your goals are unique to you, and it's essential to keep them in mind when the going gets tough.
It's also important to avoid comparing yourself to others. Everyone's journey is different, and comparing your progress to someone else's can lead to feelings of inadequacy and frustration. Focus on your own growth and celebrate your small wins along the way.
Don't be afraid to seek help when you need it. Talk to your mentors, friends, or family about your struggles. You don't have to face them alone.
Taking breaks and practicing self-care is also crucial. Rest and recharge to avoid burnout. Make time for activities that bring you joy and help you relax, have fun with friends, surf the net, sleep, watch movies etc. Your mental and physical health is just as important as your academic success.
Surround yourself with positive influences and remind yourself of your strengths.
Don't give up. Every small step you take today will lead to significant progress tomorrow. Learn from your failures and use them as opportunities to grow and learn.
Undergraduate life can be tough, but it's not impossible. Stay focused, seek help when needed, and believe in yourself. You are capable of achieving great things.
We wish you the very best in the journey of life, and we're rooting for you to win always. Thank you so much ma'am! Have a pleasant night rest bye.
Thank you for the honor Ibukunoluwa.
Thank you to VEECEE SUCCESS STORIES.
Interview Conducted by Ibukunoluwa Sanusi for the VSS Team
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