I believe we all can do anything we set our hearts on. The difference between people who actually achieved what they wanted to is that they continued at that thing, even in the face of challenges. Like many other students, I wanted to graduate with a first-class but beyond the wish, I worked towards it. Interestingly, I didn’t start with the first class on my first level. My first Grade Point Average was 3.86/5.00. I was marveled because I knew the amount of work I put into that semester. But I didn’t give up. If I were to consider the efforts I invested and what I got, I could have been discouraged, but I had a goal that I was committed to. The next semester, I learned a better technique concerning my academics. God is forever faithful.
Let us see my performance record.
I have always been an excellent student, right from primary and secondary schools. In secondary school, I won multiple awards ranging from the debate, drama, science, etc. I represented my school in various competitions. However, there is no way I won’t trace my academic performance to my upbringing. I have very wonderful parents (in fact, the best). Someday, I’ll write a book on parenting and it would be based on my parents. My siblings and I were taught to believe in ourselves. We never saw ourselves as under-privileged. From a very young age, the mentality of kinship and being above only was drilled into us and that informed the things we did. My mum gave me her full support and that really helped me to pursue my dreams. All those boosted my confidence both in myself and in God and I was able to develop a more personal relationship with him.
Was there any reward from my parents for my good performance?
I remember in high school, my mom and I made a deal. She said if I got up to a particular percentage, she would buy me anything I wanted. I asked for a bucket of ice cream. I got the grade and I got the Ice cream. The success in that helped me and I was able to reach for greater heights. But in later years, academic success and success was not about what I was going to get from my parents but what I wanted for myself.
My studying technique…
Personally, I used to study throughout the semester. I found out cramming never really worked for me. One thing students should know is the study technique that works for them. It’s not the same for everyone. There is always a problem when you start using another person’s technique for yourself. I had to modify my reading pattern during my 3rd year and I had to start studying from the beginning of the semester whilst making my personalized notes. My notes contained all that the lecturer discussed in class, what I had gathered from books in the library and other sources, like the internet. So this method really helped me to understand things better and for me to help my classmates with tutorials, which was also helpful for me. My study equation would be God + Smart work + Time management. I could read for extended periods depending on whether I had enough rest and food. Once the rest and food were settled, I could be reading for hours.
My social life…
I enjoyed movies e.g. Sci-fi, detective movies and so on. I used to relax, visit friends and watch movies and I know I’m fun to be with. Asides from academic books, I read other fictional materials and biographies.
Relationships: Were there advances from men?
Yes, I had advances from men but I didn’t feel pressurized. As a matter of fact, you are the only one who can put pressure on yourself. None of them looked serious or seemed promising.
My greatest achievement while in school…
In 3rd year, three of my course mates who were not doing very well in their academics came to my room and asked me to help them. So, we started working together, and I made sure they attended classes, did their assignments and prepared for their tests and exams. In the end, two of them came out with a second class upper, and I felt proud of that.
FINAL WORD: My advice to students.
You should never underestimate yourself or what you can achieve. You are the only one who can limit yourself. As a student, you should find what you love to do and apply yourself to it. It sounds pretty basic but this is like the cornerstone to major success.