First class begins with first class

I read a book today by Tekena Ikoko. The title of the book is I wish I knew this before I went to the university. It is a very interesting and educating book that teaches students not just to pass through school but school should also pass through them and making sure they don't get destroyed or corrupted in the process.

This great book comprises of different stories of experiences that happened to people during their university days. The title of the first story I read is 'First class starts with first class'. Make sure you grab a drink as I narrate what the story is all about.

For the sake of this story, the major character's name is Ifeanyi. Ifeanyi was an average student throughout her secondary school days. She had just gained admission to Babcock university, a university of her choice to study public health. She went to school with a not so high expectation. This happened in the year 2008.

Then came the orientation program. Since they were freshers, a need to speak to the students was very important. 'First class begins with first class' said the lecturer that addressed them. This word rang in her ears and so as not to forget it, she took out her book and biro and wrote it down. She kept thinking on what the lecturer had said. Does it mean everyone that attended their first class will end up bagging a first class? Certainly not. She had thought. But she knew first class started from what she did with her first class, her first assignments, her first test and exam. Yeahhh

From that moment on, she made up her mind not to settle for less. 'Why can't she be the head afterall', she had thought. So, she knew becoming was hardwork. She cultivated the habit of studying, attending classes regularly, submitting her assignments on time and praying. Yes, it did not just happen, she had to cultivate and see it happen.

It also meant she had to cut off frivolities and making sure she was accountable for everything she did and the time spent on it. It required her saying no to some friends when they came unannounced to her hostel trying to disrupt her planned goals for the day. Yes prioritising, that's the word.

Then, exam came. 'Ifeanyi, what is the answer to number 4'asked her friend. She was shocked. She thought examination malpractice had long stopped in the four walls of secondary school. She didn't want to be a bad friend so she whispered the answer to her friend. An invigilator had sighted her and ordered her to get up but she pretended as if she didn't hear. She even denied not talking when she was asked. The invigilator had in turn asked if it was her exam or our exam(community exam where inputs by different people made you pass).

She had not learnt her lesson but after three subsequent warnings she knew she had to stop trying to please everybody. Ifeanyi had to change seat when she knew the person she's sitting with was going to disturb her for answers during their exam.

Ifeanyi also knew she could never do it alone so she started depending more on God and seeking Him first in all things. The trend of progress was noticable in just a short period.

Shortly after, their first semester results were out and she had a 4.00 G. P. A. She leapt for joy. She had a C in math and it had affected her G. P. A still it was not that bad.

By the time their second semester result was out, she did excellently well more than the previous semester and even got an A in mathematics. Isn't it incredible?

With each semester, her grades kept increasing for it is not enough to get to the top but knowing how to stay at the top is what matters.

By the time Ifeanyi got to her fourth year in the university she had a 5.0 G. P. A meaning she got at least 80% in each course.

She finally graduated in 2012 with a 4.65 CGPA which is a first class. She also got awarded for being the overall best graduating student in her department.

She had brought joy to her family. According to her, she was no Guru of success but all she did was to follow the laid down principles of success.

...

I hope you learnt something from this story. The world is waiting to hear your own success story so, don't despair.

Thanks for reading🤩