“A Little Fun Won't Affect Your Dreams,” Says AAUA First Class Graduate

Orimoloye Promise Oluwadamilola, a first-class graduate from the Faculty of Law, Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba-Akoko (AAUA) in the just concluded convocation ceremony shared her academic journey and the experiences that shaped her success in an interview with Gbonjubola Olanrewaju.

What does graduating with a first-class degree mean to you personally?

It is really a big deal to me, because it was something I felt was very impossible. It made me believe that I can actually achieve anything I set my mind to do.

At what point did you realize you could finish with a first class?

I was always on first class right from my 100 level, but what made me realize it was possible was when I had a 5.0 CGPA during my 300-level 2nd semester.

What was the most challenging academic moment you faced, and how did you overcome it?

In my 400-level, I had B in most of my courses which actually brought me down to a second class upper, which meant I really had to work hard in my final year to come out with a first class. I was able to overcome it by putting more energy into my studies and prayer.

How did you stay focused and consistent throughout your years in the university?

I just knew what I was after, so I did not allow anything to distract me. I was really determined

What study routine or habit worked best for you? Did you rely on group studies, personal study sessions, or a mix of both?

I relied mostly on personal study sessions and I usually start reading at least 2 months before examinations which makes me fully prepared.

How did you balance academics with other responsibilities or activities?

I am actually only good at reading at night, so I made sure I did whatever I wanted to do during the day, and left my night for studying.

Who or what was your biggest motivation?

My mum was my biggest motivation, I really wanted to make her proud.

What key lesson has university life taught you beyond academics?

One lesson I learnt in school is that you can actually balance your life, having a little fun once in a while won’t affect your dreams. I love watching movies. I also like going out most of the time.

Was there a time you felt like you failed? How did that experience shape your approach to learning?

When I saw my 400-level result, I felt really disappointed. However, I learnt never to give up even if you are not getting the desired result, keep on working hard.

What is your advice to students who desire this kind of academic excellence?

Read oooo and don’t let anything or anyone distract you.

How do you hope to use your education to make an impact in the society?

I will make an impact in the society by enlightening people about their rights and advocating for the minority and voiceless people.

If you could start over, what would you do differently?

I would probably have made more friends.

Many students believe attaining a first-class degree is difficult. What's your take on that?

Yes, it is difficult and I believed that too, but when you set your mind to it, you can make the impossible possible.

If you had to summarize your journey in one word or phrase, what would it be and why?

Stressful, I spent most of my campus life thinking of how I would read and having a lot of sleepless nights

Is Education a scam? Yes or No?

No

Why?

Education is not a scam. There are still people who succeed with their degree and even if you don’t end up using the degree, no knowledge is a waste, you will still end up applying what you learnt in school in one way or the other.

What was your best experience or moment on campus?

My best experience on campus was when I had a 5.0 CGPA, I was so proud of myself.

How many As, Bs, and Cs?

37 As, 21 Bs, 5 Cs