An Ode to My Journey as a Teacher: Reflections and Gratitude

 

As the world pauses to celebrate the unsung heroes of education on this Teacher’s Day, I find myself reflecting on the profound journey I have been blessed to embark upon—the journey of a teacher. This profession, so often described as a noble calling, has been my path to not only shaping the minds of others but continuously refining and shaping my own soul. Today, I celebrate not just the role I play but the transformative impact teaching has had on my life and the lives of my students.

The classroom, to me, is more than four walls; it is a universe of endless possibilities. It is a space where dreams are nurtured, challenges are faced, and victories—both small and monumental—are achieved. Every day when I stand before my students, I am reminded that I am not just passing down knowledge, I am sculpting futures. And in doing so, I am part of a much larger narrative—the story of every life I’ve touched and every lesson I’ve shared.

Teaching has taught me to be patient. There are moments when a student’s understanding takes time, when discipline requires delicacy, and when a child’s quiet voice needs gentle encouragement to be heard. Patience is not just about waiting; it is about believing that growth, in all its forms, will come. And as I stand witness to this growth, I find that my patience has always been rewarded.

Beyond patience, this journey has demanded perseverance. I have faced days where the challenges seemed insurmountable—times when resources were limited, or when students battled personal struggles that spilled over into their academic lives. But with every challenge came an opportunity to grow, to innovate, and to find new ways to connect. It’s in those moments of adversity that I’ve realized the true power of being a teacher. I have learned that my responsibility goes far beyond academics. I am a mentor, a guide, a counselor, and sometimes, a pillar of strength for those who need it most.

In this career, one of the greatest gifts I have received is the gift of relationships. My bond with my students is one of mutual trust and respect. I am not just here to teach; I am here to listen, to understand, and to support. I have watched as shy children became confident leaders, as struggling learners found their rhythm, and as once-distant students became close partners in their own education. The joy in their eyes when they grasp a difficult concept, or the excitement in their voices when they share an achievement, fuels me in ways words can scarcely describe.

What I also cherish is the influence I have on my students beyond the classroom. It is an honor to instill values—of integrity, hard work, compassion, and perseverance—that will carry them through life. I am aware that these students are tomorrow’s leaders, thinkers, creators, and change-makers. And while I may not always be there to see their full journeys, I take pride in knowing that my lessons, my words, and my guidance will echo in their lives for years to come.

To be a teacher is to be a lifelong learner. As much as I teach, I learn. I learn from my students—each one bringing a unique perspective, challenge, and spark of curiosity. They push me to stay curious, to remain open, and to always seek better ways to engage, inspire, and educate. Every student teaches me something new about myself, about the world, and about the boundless potential of human beings when given the right guidance and encouragement.

On this Teacher’s Day, I am not just celebrating myself, but the collective efforts of all educators who give their all to see their students thrive. We are the ones who, through every season, continue to sow seeds of knowledge, values, and dreams in the minds of the young. We are not just teachers; we are nation-builders, for every lesson we teach shapes the future.

As I stand at this milestone in my career, I am filled with gratitude. Gratitude for the opportunity to do work that is meaningful, for the lives I’ve had the privilege to touch, and for the lessons I continue to learn. I am proud of the impact I have made, and I am excited for the many more students I will encounter in the years to come.

So today, I celebrate myself—not just for what I’ve achieved but for what I’ve given and will continue to give. I honor the teacher I’ve become, the growth I’ve experienced, and the countless lives I will continue to inspire. Here’s to the endless joy of teaching, the challenges that shape us, and the immeasurable rewards that come from seeing young minds flourish.

Happy Teacher’s Day to me, and to every teacher who lights the way forward for the next generation!

With honour,

Joy Akinlolu, BABALOLA (Sunshine)

herkinhayor@gmail.com

IT'S A CALL TO SERVICE; DIST. SEN. YAASIR REVEALED AS HE ROLLED OUT APPRECIATION

"It is a call to service, not for frivolity, and we will not betray your trust"

Yesterday, being the 28th day of August 2024, I emerged as the Senate President of the 14th Assembly, FUTMinna SUG SRA. It is never something I can personally accolade myself for this opportunity; it is a grace granted by Almighty Allah and by you all.

Special appreciation to everyone who has contributed to the struggle to this height, most especially the good people of SEET, for allowing me to represent you in the hallow chamber; your vote counts, and your beliefs will not be betrayed. Thank you for projecting me once again, and I promise you I will not betray your trust in me.

And to the Department of Mechatronics Engineering (DOME), FUTMinna, charity indeed begins at home; I can never appreciate enough the support you have always shown me; I'm your own. From the departmental HOD, the management of the department, the lecturers, the stakeholders' forum, the board of DOME executives, all the Class Reps, 300L coursemates, and every single one in the department, I so much appreciate this gesture, and I'm forever grateful for the grace I'm bestowed with to have you all.

Also, I'd like to appreciate the Engineering Stakeholders Forum at large, even the reputable camaraderie from SIPET, who have contributed in one way or another to ensure the in-house election held yesterday became a success we can celebrate today, thank you for the trust in me, and thank you for staying by me, I'm forever blessed to have you all, and I pray almighty Allah will continue to bless you immensely.

It would be an error if I failed to appreciate the gesture and courtesy of the stakeholders across every faculty in FUTMinna; the landslide victory won yesterday is a testament to all-round acceptance, not a testament to my competency alone, it is the grace and gift of reputable men. Space may not permit me to mention your name one after the other, but your support has brought me to this height, and you will forever remain honored in my heart.

My appreciation would not be well articulated if I failed to reference the impact the 13th Assembly under the distinguished Senate President, Sen. Raji Fahad Muhammad took in this success, especially, in learning the stake and the path of legislation, I appreciate everyone in the 13th Assembly, and I'm looking forward to working together with you, even beyond the scope of this administration, because, the future indeed is bright.

And to the distinguished senators of the 14th Assembly, as I welcome you to the chamber proceedings, I'm equally appreciating you for giving me the honor of becoming your Senate President, thank you for the trust and the belief, be of the assurance that we are together in this, and no one amidst us will be left out.

Appreciation is in order! Thank you all.

With Honor;

Dist. Senator Yaasir A. AMOKUN

The Senate President, 14th Assembly

(Students' Union, FUTMinna, Students' Representative Assembly)

BEING THE SPEECH DELIVERED BY COMRADE EZE CHRISTIAN NNABUIKE (GALAXY), THE SUG PRESIDENT FUTMINNA AT THE ASUU TOWNHALL MEETING FUTMINNA.

 I address you today with a heavy heart and a deep sense of responsibility. Every one of us will, at some point in our lives, have the opportunity to make our voices heard. Today is my moment, and I am determined to make it count. Greatest Nigerian students! Let me be clear and unapologetic: one of the most misleading assertions and biggest deceit we’ve been taught in this country is that the youth are the leaders of tomorrow. This has been deceitfully perpetuated by those who remain in power indefinitely and echoed by our educators without challenge.

Shall I now say that we have lived our whole lives believing in our minds that the government and ASUU truly love us and wish us to be leaders of tomorrow when they have unknowingly been partners in the conspiracy not to let us graduate, let alone become leaders? By the time an average Nigerian student eventually graduates from a government-owned university, his dream would have been shattered, his passion thwarted and his future truncated; the enthusiasm and vision he once had will eventually be replaced by a desperate need to make money and simply survive.

It is disheartening to see our lecturers, whom we believe care about our future, use our academic progress as baits and leverage in their negotiations with the government. Our time and our future are invaluable, and using them as bargaining chips is unacceptable. We understand that our universities require revitalization. However, is it fair that our precious time and future are used as bargaining chips? Innocent students, who have done no wrong, are bearing the brunt of this conflict.

I wish to reiterate my point with unfidgeting conviction and optimum confidence, Greatest Nigerian Students! All our lecturers seated here are fortunate to have completed their education and secured their positions as employees of the federal government. What is the fate of those who are yet to graduate, and what is our offense? Have we been taught without paying our school fees; have we been housed without paying for accommodation? Why neglect the government you should confront and aim to jeopardize the lives of youths whose parents toil day and night to offer them a promising future? I repeat, WHAT IS OUR OFFENCE?

To study telecommunications engineering at this university, my classmates and I have spent nearly 7 years all because of repeated ASUU strikes that have added us no cubit. Now we are in our final semester, counting two months to graduate and all that is presented before us is another threat of an indefinite strike, claiming to better the state of Nigerian universities. Please dear lecturers, students, and partners in the struggle, how does this approach better the lives of university students rather than jeopardizing their future and recruiting more insurgents and terrorists to completely deplete our national security?

Our lecturers have always taught us to resolve issues diplomatically, without causing further harm. Despite all our challenges, we have upheld these principles diligently. Now it is their turn to demonstrate this principle. Instead of choosing a path that disrupts our education and future, let them exemplify the diplomatic resolution, that they have always advocated.

GREATEST NIGERIAN STUDENTS! As the President of the Students Union Government, and Grand Commander of all Aluta Forces, Rigidity Tested and Ruggedity carried, I have the power to organize protests and disrupt university activities in response to the many issues we face, from water shortages, exploitation of students by landlords off-campus to inadequate facilities. However, I have chosen not to, for the sake of peace and our academic progress. I have endured these pressures, avoided many confrontations, and prevented numerous protests, all to preserve the reversible time and priceless future of our dear students whose interests I stand to protect.

While you think of going on this strike, I hope you have thought of the many weak and poor Nigerian parents you are likely to kill by high blood pressure due to their inability to condole the increased youthful exuberance of the mentally frustrated youths you’re sending home; of course, there can’t be two captains on a ship. Have you also thought of the thousands to millions of youths who are likely to eventually lose interest in education as a result of long separation? Out of sight they said is out of mind! And then engage in social vices such as drugs, fraud, rape, cultism, kidnapping, and terrorism thereby constituting more nuisance and insecurity in the country.

Have you thought of all these or are you only bent on getting your demands met at all costs? Where is the place of the “Diplomatic approach to conflict resolution that you taught us?” If we were your children whom you are already looking forward to graduating and assisting the family after all the suffering, would you add one year to our remaining two-months?

Let the Nigerian Government and ASUU hear this: he who is on the ground fears no fall! And our resilience will not falter! bringing down the future of many Nigerians through continued strikes is not the solution, let it be known to all that the youths will not sit down here for long! Sooner or later, the youths will be informed and these deeds will be undone!

I strongly advise ASUU, on behalf of millions of Nigerian students, to halt this strike and work towards a resolution with the government that does not further harm the students. If this is not feasible, I urge FUTMinna to stand apart from this detrimental trend and youth-devouring pandemic and lead by example. Should this change not occur, then the students will initiate it, and it will begin here!

THAT IS NOT A THREAT! IT IS A CALL TO ACTION!!

ALUTA CONTINUA, VICTORIA ASCERTA!!!

EZE C.N. GALAXY IS MY NOMENCLATURE!!

GREAT NIGERIAN STUDENTS!!!

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Edited By ✍️

Edt. BABALOLA, Ademola Stephen.

GRADUATION: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW AS YOU GO OUT THERE!

 I published one article sometime last year on my page titled "Opportunities abound in time, how prepared are you?" There I argued against the general norms where many people complained of a lack of opportunities to break out of their constraints, I believe if there's someone ready to do something, means and ways will come on its own.

Now, graduation here and there, with thousands of students being released to the marketplace sourcing for employment and opportunities to feed on, with this piece, I bring you three important things you should get available, four they were that strengthen you for any opportunities that avail.

These four are what you should have its template as a graduate as you are entering the labour market, they are; RESUMÉ, COVER LETTER, APPLICATION LETTER, and a LETTER OF INTEREST. Let's take a closer look at them;

1. RÉSUMÉ (US): also called CURRICULUM VITAE (UK), in short CV is a must to have for graduates, as far as when you're still on campus, you should start putting your CV in detail. CV is the detailed information that covers your career and academic life. It is a written account of one's life comprising one's education including academic credentials, publications, courses taught, work experience, accomplishments, etc. especially, one used to apply for a job. Your CV should cover all your academic journey along with the accomplishments you badge during those pursuits, the projects you have done or participated in, and the like. A glance or glimpse of your CV should account for everything you have accomplished as far as your academic and career are concerned.

2. COVER LETTER: This is one of the biggest mistakes people make as they relate COVER LETTER to APPLICATION LETTER. A cover Letter is a letter or written communication that serves to introduce an accompanying document; especially, a letter that introduces a résumé or curriculum vitae, it is used to introduce yourself and your qualifications to a potential employer. The goal is to portray your skills and experience. A good cover letter should be brief, professional, and well-written. A cover letter is just like a summary of your RÉSUMÉ, it is what you should keep updating even though you are not applying for any job at hand.

 3. APPLICATION LETTER: This is usually longer and more detailed than a cover letter, it should be written to portray your skills and experiences and other specific information about the job you are applying for, and how you meet the requirements of the job. In addition to skills and experience, it should include your interest in the job and the company. 

Most time, people mix the two letters above, in subsequent publications, I'll be distinguishing more about the two.

4. LETTER OF INTEREST: This is like creating an opportunity for yourself where there seems to be no opportunity. A letter of interest is also similar to a cover letter, but it is sent without being prompted by a specific job opening. Instead, you are expressing your interest in working for a particular company and introducing yourself to them.

I try to cut this short to avoid elongated words, I'll be distinguishing between them in my subsequent articles, and though they might appear the same, don't make the mistake of treating them as the same, they all have different purposes and contain different input, though closely related.

Based on experience, in case you need any of these services, kindly reach out to @HERYVENTURES for an enriching and well-constructed CV / Cover  Letter / Application Letter. Tested and Trusted ✅

You can reach them directly via https://wa.me/message/TUNH4RN6YJX2E1 

~ Ademola Stephen, BABALOLA 

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