Whereas the insights in this article are valuable to all, I write especially to those categories of students who combine their academics with other (non-academic) activities. If you are active as a leader or worker in fellowship, if you are a student-leader or an active participator in student associations (hostel, faculty, department, class, NGOs etc.), then you will agree with me that combining all of these with your studies is a great challenge.
Depending on your level of involvement, it is not unlikely that you would have missed some lectures, written tests / exams inadequately prepared, or have even missed some tests. Most likely, you have been faced with the temptation of dubbing assignments and cheating in the exam hall (and you may have fallen for it at some point, even though you knew it was wrong). When you remember that you were sent to school to face your books, it gives you a lot of concern. You want to help your situation but fear the wrath of GOD will fall upon you if you do not carry out your duties wholeheartedly.
Space will not allow me tell my story, but having been in similar situations described above, I can assure you that academic success is something you too can experience, and I am going to share with you some tips I have found useful.
Much of what I will share with you may sound trivial, but I have learnt over time that everything you do (or fail to do) has an effect on your success. Speaking on the significance of every part of our body, Paul of Tarsus wrote: “The parts of the body that we think are weaker are the ones we really need... God's purpose was that the body should not be divided but rather that all of its parts should feel the same concern for each other. If one part of the body suffers, all the other parts share its suffering. If one part is praised, all the others share in its happiness.” Furthermore, we learnt from scriptures that it is the little foxes that ruin our vineyards. So, take heed to these things.
1: Pay FULL Attention in Class
The truth is that you do not have all the time to study as your other colleagues do. So take full advantage of the lecture period. This is not the time to explain a concept to your colleague. Your phone must not vibrate, let alone ring in class (if you are not comfortable switching off, put it on perfect silence). If you need to change your seat (maybe so you can see better or avoid distracters), please do. Now don’t tell me there are no seats; you can stand!2: Be Actively Involved
The majority of students I have come across, for one reason or the other, do not like to engage the lecturer in class. Please do not join that company. I have discovered for myself that it is highly unlikely not to remember something taught in a class you were actively involved.
Being actively involved is not just about asking questions in class; it also involves answering questions posed by the lecturer (remember the boy Jesus?) If you are scared of answering wrongly, just remember that it is better to be wrong in the classroom than in the examination hall.
Another aspect of being actively involved is doing your home works yourself, or working actively in your team if it is a group project. Don’t just give them money and good wishes; play a part.
3: Be Consistent
We run a Cumulative Grading System; whatever you will finish with is being determined right from your 100level first semester result. Therefore you must be consistent. Consistency requires that you will never rest on your oars, no matter how well you started; nor give up, if you started not too well. We also run a Unit Course System: where each course is assigned a unit. Even though you are to pay good attention to courses with higher units, always remember that everything counts at the end of the day – whether one unit or four units. Even the zero unit GSTs must be passed.4: Study to Know
Students always want to get an “A” in every course they do. Inasmuch as you desire this, please do all you can (within the limits of your schedules) to know the course. You may not appreciate it at the moment, but you will when you begin to do courses that require knowledge of things learnt at the lower levels. At that time, you will discover that you need less effort to get along than your colleagues who just crammed to pass.5: Never Lose Your Confidence
If you will forget every other thing I have said, please don’t forget this one. The scripture says it has a great recompense of reward. Even when you are not adequately prepared, don’t give in to fear. Always maintain a positive attitude. Different people are motivated differently; so you must find ways to motivate yourself to avoid getting discouraged along the way. See yourself as someone adding value to his community, the association and, more importantly, people. See your work as an opportunity to gain some essential skills that cannot be acquired in the classroom.
Another tip I found helpful is that you must enjoy what you do. That way, you will do your work without struggle and frustration, and save your academics from shipwreck. Even when you put in a huge amount of time in those activities, you will still derive joy from it.
I am confident that you too can make it. The pressures may be much, but it will not crush you.
I am confident that you too can make it. The pressures may be much, but it will not crush you.
Don’t give up irrespective of your academic status now. Ask for help when you need one. Take advantage of the grace of GOD upon your life. At the end of the day, when you are through with your programme, you will see how much better off you are; and you will thank GOD for it.
Success!
(First Presented at Anglican Students Fellowship (ASF) Unilag Freshers’ Night 2009/2010 Programme (as EXCELLING ACADEMICALLY AMIDST YOUR BUSY SCHEDULES (1)))
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