FOUR YEARS IN LASU: A JOURNEY OF GROWTH, ACHIEVEMENT AND IMPACT- BY YUSHAB ABOLORE

As I write today, on the extremity of graduating from Lagos State University (LASU), I cannot help but reflect on the incredible journey that has shaped my life over the past four years. It is a journey that has been filled with challenges, triumphs, and countless opportunities for personal and intellectual growth. However, amidst all of these experiences, I have come to realise that true achievement lies not in popularity or political prowess, but in the ability to positively impact the lives of others with the knowledge we possess.

Throughout my time at LASU, I have had the privilege of being part of the esteemed Department of English Language. It is within the walls of this department that I have found my voice, not just in the literal sense through the study of language and literature, but in the metaphorical sense of discovering my ability to influence, to lead, and to inspire. I became known, a familiar face among peers and writers alike, not for the titles I held but for the impact I made. They have been the guiding force behind my transformation from a mere student to a scholar, mentor, leader, and brother.

However, being regarded as a scholar, mentor, leader, or brother is not enough in and of itself. It is easy to get caught up in the accolades and titles that society bestows upon us, but true fulfilment comes from using our knowledge and abilities to make a difference in the lives of others. I am grateful for the opportunities I have had to positively influence the lives of those around me, even in small ways. From tutoring struggling students to organising impactful community projects, I have learned that the true value of education lies in its ability to empower us to lift others up.

As I reflect upon my time at LASU, I realise that my biggest achievements are not personal triumphs or political acumen. I learnt the art of politics, not to wield power over others, but to understand the intricate nature of human interaction, to navigate the complexities of leadership with grace and humility. The caftans and halfshoes of self-proclaimed godfathers and political leaders became symbols of a game I knew well but chose not to play for mere accolades. Instead, my biggest achievements stem from the moments when I see the light of understanding tremble in a student's eyes, when I witness the transformation of a struggling writer into a confident communicator, or when I receive messages of gratitude from individuals whose lives I have touched. These are the milestones that truly matter, as they represent the impact one can have on the world, one person at a time.

So, to all those embarking on their educational journey or questioning the value of their chosen field of study, I implore you to remember that true achievement lies not in the degrees we hold, popularity, or personal gain. It lies in the ability to use your knowledge and skills to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Whether you are studying English, Mathematics, Medicine, Law, or any other discipline, it is the impact you have on those around you that will define your true legacy.

As I bid farewell to LASU and embark upon the next chapter of my life, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude. Gratitude for the incredible institution that has nurtured and shaped me, gratitude for the Department of English Language and its unwavering dedication to excellence, and most importantly, gratitude for the opportunities to make a difference in the lives of others.

Let us all remember that being called a scholar or a graduate is not the end goal; it is merely the beginning of a lifelong journey of impact and transformation. Together, let us strive to leave this world a little better than we found it, one life at a time.

Congratulations to us all, for we have not just graduated; we have evolved into beacons of hope and change. May we continue to shine brightly, illuminating the path for those who follow.

© YUSHAB ABOLORE AYOMIDE 

- Nigeria