I had just got admitted to the University to study Animal Science. This was not what I wanted. I had envisaged studying Petro-Chemical Engineering or Industrial Chemistry, not necessarily because I knew what these actually meant then, but because I wanted to 'belong'. All my classmates were all about one kind of engineering course or the other, while others were all about Medicine and Surgery. No one mentioned anything Agriculture. So, why would I ever think of Animal Science. In fact, I didn't know there was a course like that until I got my admission letter.
I didn't meet up with the cut-off mark for my two desired courses. So, I was asked to apply for a supplementary admission. If you are from Nigeria, you sure have an idea of what that means. Long story cut short. I was offered admission. I was at my hometown when the letter arrived. So, I got a call from my brother that I have been offered admission by the Federal University of technology, Owerri. But, I was not told what course.
When I go home, I discovered that I was offered Animal Science. My first reaction? I cried. But that was just the beginning of my trouble. I think my dad had mentioned it to one of his friends that he was then a proud father of a 'going to be graduate' son. Because, a few days later, as I was walking down to my mum's shop at the 'mami market, I met a friend whose in-law happened to be my dad's friend. He told me he heard I've been offered admission. And this was the discussion that ensued between us. Let's assume he's Emeka
Emeka: Hey, Apeh. How are you?
Me: I am fine. How are you?
Emeka: I'm fine too. I heard you've been offered admission by FUTO (Federal University of Technology)
Me: Yes.
Emeka: Wow. That's good. What course?
Me. Animal Production (That was what it was actually called then. It was only changed in my 2nd year)
Emeka: Hahahahahaha! Hahahahahahaha! Animal what? Hahahahahahaha! What kind of course is that? Hahahahahahahaha! You better find a way to re-sit for JAMB oooo or change the course. If not, you will not find a job ooooo. Animal what?
Me: Dumb. Faced down. Embarrassed. Reduced. Laughed to scorn. Looking like a bird beaten by the rain.
There are no words I can use in this writing to portray how I felt. I left that spot with my tail in-between my legs. I felt defeated. But this is my life. What do I do when someone says "It's impossible?" Because I came to realize that it is not much about what people think or say about you but how you choose to react that matters at the long run.
When I got to the University I made up my mind that no one would ever laugh at me again for studying Animal Science. I did not choose it, but "I chose to ACCEPT it" and turn it for my good. I decided that I'll be one of the best there ever would be in Nigeria and hopefully across the globe.
I then set my face like the flint. I maintained focus. I did my best as an Animal Science student. I made sure I was well informed and knowledgeable about this thing that I've put myself in. I knew every damn way to make money from it. I knew every damn way to make a name from it. I realized that when people doubt you, your only answer or response to them should be RESULTS. I produced results.
As a matter of fact, at the point where I am today, no one remembers I studied Animal Science. Because I focused and worked on it, it has paid off. This post is not necessarily about a course of study. It is more on how I survived my friend's scorn by moving my focus on what happened that day to the kind of future I want for myself. And I found out that the kind of future I want is not dependent on any specific course of study. I am just using it to illustrate that knowing what you want and focusing in your goals is very important It is not much about what you read it school but what you decide to turn that into in your own life.
But all I have achieved was first inspired by a mockery. So, when you are mocked this year by anyone, don't give in. Don't take whatever they say to be who you are. You can have the last laugh against life, even though it may be mocking you now. You may be at a point where you walk the streets faced down, with all fingers pointing at you, and whispering sounds of gossips at the background.
If you want to have victory, then FOCUS. Tell yourself you are not who they think you are. And focus on bringing on the best EVERYDAY. I mean every single day. When you go in to your room. Lock the door behind you, go to work. When you wake up in the morning, go to work. Work until you have results that no one can gainsay.
This is the year to focus on ONLY THINGS THAT MATTER, and not otherwise.
So, let's make it a blockbuster.
#MakingExcellenceCommon
Written by Dr. Apeh Omede
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