Olaoye Esther Yemisi, who emerged as the best graduate of the Department of Mass Communication at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, 2023/2024 set, in an interview with Eniola Akinwumi-Niyi shared some insights into the experiences and challenges that shaped her academic success.
What inspired you to study Mass Communication?
When I wanted to come to this school to study Mass Communication, my dad wanted me to study Law because he felt that studying Mass Communication was a waste of my JAMB (Joint Admission and Matriculation Board) score. Though he didn't impose it on me, I had always known what I wanted, I loved Mass Communication right from secondary school.
How do you feel about becoming the best-graduating student in your department?
I felt really happy because, to be honest, I was not focused on being the best graduating student in my department, I was focused on having a first-class degree because while. I was in secondary school, I always came second, not because I could not have come first but because I was too relaxed coming second and it was after I graduated that I realized it. So, I said to myself that I wanted a first-class degree and I did not even think of becoming the “best graduating student”. I wanted a first-class degree but it turned out to be a best-graduating student. It is truly amazing.
What are your reading techniques and how does it work for you?
I can't read for long hours, so I maximize my time as much as possible. I take breaks when reading, either to rest or eat and I read when I am fully in the mood to read and I start reading early before exams, starting with the difficult courses and ending with the easy ones. I also do group reading sometimes, but I do group reading when I am not able to read for a long period. I always make sure my notes are complete so I don't end up using the time I have to read to make up notes, so I always read the tedious courses first, before I read the simpler ones. Once the exam was approaching, I read according to the exam timetable and that has always worked for me I was surrounded by good friends because the friends you keep can influence you. At times my friends and I come around to brainstorm on what we have all read individually and through that process, I also get a better understanding. I prioritized my studies, I just set my priorities straight, my academic was a very big priority for me so I did not joke with it. I always planned around it.
What are the driving forces that kept you going?
Firstly, it is God. He has been my pillar and helper. At times, I feel tired and I am like can I continue? God always shows up for me. I remember there was a course I didn't know in 200-level, I just prayed to God and he showed me where to read, and what I read came out in the Exam. I had never experienced that type of miracle before. Secondly, my Dad has literally been my backbone, my Dad is someone who loves to brag about his kids. So, he always encourages us to have good grades, though he won't impose it on us. My dad has been my cheerleader, he is always supportive and makes sure we get the best.
Is education a scam?
No
Why?
To me, I feel education is not a scam because I know it will definitely work out fine for me. It is like a ladder, I can use it to attain a lot of bigger things in life.
How were you able to balance academics with personal life?
So,I am someone who does not joke with my studies, I know when to be serious, I live far away and most times I resume two or more weeks after resumption but that didn't stop me, I was always focused because I knew what I wanted. When I resume late, I make sure that I write my notes and cover all the topics that have been taught in my absence. I don't like to fail, even when I have a C in my result it feels like I already have an F, so I was always focused on making good grades.
How about extracurricular activities?
When I was in 100-level, I wanted to join the basketball team for this school but I felt it was gonna clash with my academics so I dropped anything that had to do with extracurricular activities until the 300-level that I participated in playing football. I always put my academics first, my academics have always been the higher priority.
Did you ever get into any challenging time and how did you overcome it?
Being a student of AAUA is not easy, not to talk of being a Mass Communication student. There were days I cried, there were days I was tired and I felt like I could not keep up but after crying I usually bounced back. When I had my project supervisor, people said a lot of things about him like “he doesn't give A”. But I was always optimistic about it. The thing with me is that I don't like to listen to fears, I would always say God forbid even when peace puts fears in my head. I always try to put in my best in whatever I am doing. God always helps me overcome it because whenever I feel down I just speak to God and everything will be settled.
Can you summarize your journey as a Mass Communication student?
My journey wasn't easy, I won't lie but it was worth it in the end.
Did you ever struggle with any lecturers or courses?
I didn't struggle with any of my lecturers, I only struggled with some of my courses because they were courses I never liked. Right from secondary school, I never liked mathematics, so in 100-level l struggled with FSS (Basic Mathematics for Social Sciences and Management Science) but I met with some senior colleagues who put me through. I also struggled with a 400-level course because it was about calculation. But I always try to meet with my senior colleagues and I also pray to God.
What advice do you have for students seeking academic excellence?
I will just say work hard because you can't expect success without putting in the effort, and most importantly carry God on your head, let him lead and direct you, know him and let him know you, and read like you won't pray and pray like you won't read. Have your study plans, read as much as you can, and use whatever study habits that work for you.
