One of the most important gifts in life is having the ability to learn new things, unlearn those things we think are no more valid and relearn those concepts we've forgotten or need to improve on.
The earlier part of this year's academic session began with me delivering a seminar to university student in various academic levels ranging from first year to those in their finals.
This is an annual program we organize for University students, especially those just entering into the university environment and bewildered by the new environment coupled with large amount of course work to carry all along. This yearly event was necessitated by the unending complains I get from most university students especially the ones we refer to as freshers.
As someone that was once a fresher, I understand what it is like trying to navigate through this overwhelming environment, being bombarded with new concepts from lectures, and having unending projects from which one doesn't even have a head start.
In my discussion with them, I tried to discuss how one can read effectively, maintain academic balance and still be relevant in other aspects of life and in the society.
Most of the lessons I drew from during the course of our discussions was from experiences I had in third year when writing my professional exam, an exam we refer to as 2nd MBBS or 2nd professional exam for medical students.
Although I'm currently in 5th year I can't still forget the lessons of that period 🙂. those lessons are part of what has helped me thus far through medical school and has given me what I can call a smooth sail so far.
Defining your purpose in school
Talking about purpose, everyone is born with a purpose. That's true, but that's not what I'm talking about. Alot of people define purpose as that particular thing which you were created to fulfill throughout your life time on earth. Well, that may be true as well. I also add that at different places and in different environments our purposes get modified or drift at some point. What I mean is this, we all have a purpose to fulfill at every point in time in our lives, and in every environment we find ourselves. But still in all purpose is about being better than you are, improving your life as the day go by and improving the lives of others as well.
As a student you should be able to first define your purpose. I.e the reason you are in school. Maybe we'll talk about purpose another day because this is not a post about purpose.
While coming into school as a fresh medical student, I had alot of positive energy, I just wanted to read, pass my courses and be one of the best in the class 😁
That's the kind of purpose alot of students have while coming into campus. Someone might even argue what else then 😅
How about now 🤔
Well currently for me, schooling is just one aspect of my life. It doesn't have to be everything. I love to attend seminars, leadership conferences and summits, I needed to develop a tech skill, and I also love to go for missions and outreaches. I could still be a student and be alot of other things. I really wanted to be relevant in the society. This was what I wanted when coming into school. Well I discovered the university environment was a bit different and I would barely have had the time for all this if I didn't plan my life and get my priorities right as a student.
Steps I took that helped me scale through.
- I avoid walking in other people's shoes. Like I said before, our purpose, our vision and pursuits are different. I know what works for me when it comes to study. I find it difficult to read at night so I don't force it, except in rare occasions. Also I focus more on revising what I've known rather than trying to get hold of new knowledge during exam periods. And really they work for me. In so many other areas I do what works for me. I think you should do same for yourself. I won't go ahead to tell you all the things I do and the things I don't do. They work for me right?, I'm not saying they must work for you, although some might work for you. But I still advice you do what works for you
- Establish a good study habit. I try to read a topic before and after it has been taught. Use only conducive reading environment for studies, could be library, your room or dormitory, or even lecture theatre. It just have to be conducive.
- For me the importance of time management couldn't be over emphasized. Most people draft time tables for their day to day activities. Well, I advice your time table should not be rigid, it should be realistic, achievable and allow time to accommodate for unforseen circumstances too. Try the much you can to attend classes especially if you just entered a new academic level or if the concept you are working on is difficult to grasp on your own.
- Having friends who are like minded and share the same purpose as you. I won't go ahead to talk about how good friends have helped me in my academic struggles. I do group discussions alot. In your circle of friends you musn't be the most intelligent but make sure to contribute something to the group. Also have good relationship with teachers and lecturers.
- Make adequate preparations for your test and exams. Avoid procrastinating or waiting until exams are nearby. I have once had a lecturer tell us in class that exams are not the true test of knowledge, but so far the school system haven't yet discovered a better way. I agree with him 😅 but that doesn't mean I won't prepare for my exams. I always tell people that the only prove that you read your books is passing your exams and being able to solve problems on your own or with a group. So I don't joke with preparing for test and exams.
- Finally, don't shy away from extra curricular activities, they help your brain to relax and cool off. Have a mentor that will guide you. The internet has really made things easier for us. With millions of resources available for further studies and research purposes. Watch YouTube videos and check other sites that have good resources to help your studies.
Source
You probably might have experienced a failure or some failures in the past, don't allow that to discourage you. Like I said, purpose is about improving ourselves and improving the lives of others on a daily basis in every environment we find ourselves.
Thank you for reading through ❤️
I'm Stevewealth 😁. I hope you got value for your time. I'm committed to bringing more amazing contents to your doorstep.
Indeed, it's never an easy route to take.
Most times it feels like gaining admission is the least of the worries especially when it comes to this our professional courses because the effort you have to put in to maintain that admission and reach the finish line most times far outweighs the effort you have to put before you got the admission.
Then coming with our seniors always bombarding us with both true and untrue information making it look as scary as possible adds to our worries but well, at the end it's all about finding a balance
Great post and goodluck man
I'm telling you bro. I heard to close my ears to alot of false information.
Thank you for reading through ❤️
You're welcome
This is a good write up!
You've Drawn our minds to the part where we need to do that which suits us. At times we get lost in our own path while trying to follow that of others. Discovering oneself is paramount to our academic journey.
What an encouraging piece💯
Yeah, one needs to learn to master his own self and know what works for him or her rather than working in other people's shoes.
Thank you for reading through ❤️
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Thank you!
Very good post dear, I come here to support you and to put it to the test as it should be. This is life and we must take care of it. Greetings 🙌🙌🙌
I appreciate your support bro 👊
Thank @hive-naija for the upvote ❤️
This is a good piece. In three you have learnt a lot. We know everything what is good , what is bad and what to do but what we lack is executing it.
Thank you for reading through ❤️I really appreciate your comment @meta007. Really life is not about how much one knows but about being able to apply your knowledge to solve problems.
Ahh I have been soo lazy lately 😅 I am doing IETLS course which is very hard for me to learn! But your post kinda boosted me up! 😊
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I'm glad this post motivated you. Pls do give your best to preparation for your exam (IELTS). I'm waiting for your success story 😁. And thanks for the pizza ❤️Ohh thanks so much @ayamihaya 😊
Difícil tarea la de enseñar, es muy loable y debe hacerse con mucha dedicación y de la otra parte el aprender y aprender bien.
Ninguno es fácil, tanto en la enseñanza como en el aprendizaje. pero todos tenemos la capacidad de aprender, reaprender, desaprender y mejorar cuando sea necesario.
gracias por leer hasta el final.
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Nice, very good tips! Thank you, @stevewealth! 👍
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@acgalarza just sent you a DIY token as a little appreciation for your post dear @stevewealth! Feel free to multiply it by sending someone else !DIY in a comment :) You can do that x times a day depending on your balance so:!DIYSTATS