MATE !
Life has happened ! Everything that you imagined adulthood being hasn’t necessarily worked
out in the way you thought it would, but this isn’t a bad thing. I’ll go on to explain why that’s the
case later BUT FIRST, lemme give you some pointers.
Prioritisation ! Before I start, I want you to know that you are so intelligent and capable. Since
first year there hasn’t been a thing you’ve truly set your mind to that you haven’t achieved.
However, the results you achieved at the end of your first year are not a true representation of
your ability. You simply failed to prioritise what’s important.
Now I’m not having a go but you need to understand that there will be a lot of distractions and
ill-advice that will come your way from people who think that they know what they’re on about …
but in reality they don’t. The most [in]famous line you’ll hear at uni is;
“Don’t worry about it, first year doesn’t count”
These are the words of the unwise and the unknowing. First year does count. It may not
contribute to your overall grade but it absolutely sets a precedent for how you will approach uni
in the incoming years. In second and final year, you noticed that the people who were forever
screaming “It doesn’t count! It doesn’t count!” struggled immensely or they became content with
poor attainment. Fortunately, you were able to knuckle down in 2nd & 3rd year but you put
yourself under immense pressure you didn’t need to.
You finished this year with a 2:2. For a 25 year old me/you, it’s not the grade that was the
problem - objectively speaking it’s not particularly a bad grade. However, for you and the
standards you set yourself, it’s not good enough. The way you approached university in your
first year as a whole was the problem. You procrastinated, wasted time and found distractions.
Don’t get me wrong, uni is so much more than just about your education but remember it is the
primary reason why you are there. Always remember this. Your objective should be to put
yourself in the best position possible once all is said and done here.
That aside, you ended up working in tech as an account manager then ended working up in
project management at one of the biggest banks in the world ……….. I KNOW! The lawyer thing
“didn’t work out” but that’s okay - you’re doing amazing. I’m telling you this because I want you
to understand that you don’t have it all figured out and it’s important to keep an open mind. In
these seven years, you and I have met so many people who were hellbent on going into the
career paths they were shouting and screaming about during uni but life happens. Your
experiences both personally and professionally will shape your future. Understand that life is not
linear. Don’t write anything off and keep your options open. If someone told me at your age that
I would have a portfolio of project experience at one of the biggest banks in the world by the age
of 25, I would have probably told you kick rocks. Things change! Keep that in mind.
Stay focused, prioritise and keep your options open !
Words by Kenneth Okafor
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