I am Fapohunda Adebanjo John, a graduate of the Department of English in the Faculty of Arts. It was a hard nut to crack at first, I felt overwhelmed in my very first class, ENG 107, sharing a room with Law students and English students alike. But I held onto the same zeal that got me admitted into the school, and that drive carried me from start to finish.
Attending Lagos State University is itself an achievement I hold dear, I had always wanted to study far away from my comfort zone, to experience the outside world. Meeting great minds as classmates and friends motivated my academic life further, being surrounded by peers who would question a course topic later in the day pushed me to read more seriously. My most notable leadership role came in 400 level, when I was appointed Head of Class for a particular course by a renowned lecturer in the department, Prof. O.R. Bello.
My biggest challenge came in my first year, learning to relate with people. I got over it by participating actively in class discussions and group projects, which helped me get along with others more naturally. One lesson that will stick with me for life: the ability to start early in whatever you set your mind to.
My household has been my biggest source of inspiration, the enthusiasm to strive and deliver at all costs comes straight from my parents and siblings. Rather than formal awards, my recognitions came in the form of gifts from lecturers for my active participation in class discussions.
My plans after graduation are crystal clear: making ends meet and delving further into the world of academics. My advice to current and incoming students is exactly what I was told before my own first year: start early. As I always say: it is not too late to start early.