"I'M A STUDENT OF OAU..." - FIRST CLASS GRADUATE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH, ADEWOLE SHAKIRAH, REPLIES WHEN ADVISED TO STAY AWAY FROM STRESS

 *Can we meet you?*

Certainly. My name is Shakirah Adewole, officially ADEWOLE SHAKIRAH ADEBOLA. I'm a visibly Muslim woman, and I recently graduated with a First Class degree from the Department of English, Obafemi Awolowo University.

*How do you feel bagging first-class degree in the Department of English after 8 years (when it was last recorded)?* 

The timeline of 8 years is not quite accurate. After the 2017 record breakers, there have been three students who graduated with First Class honours between 2018 and 2020. However, since 2020, there hasn't been another record of a First Class, so it has been four years since the department last had one.

As to how I feel: my response to this achievement is a twinge of relief engulfed in waves of gratitude. I'm relieved that there's an evident result for my exertions. Beyond all, I'm entirely thankful for my Lord's Graciousness. I'm grateful to Allāh for magnifying my efforts, for aiding me and for buoying me with the strength to persevere. I'm also thankful to my parents, my siblings and to every person who journeyed this phase with me in the varying capacities that they did. I am also grateful for the buffet of brilliance that is the Department of English, Obafemi Awolowo University.

 *What challenges did you encounter?* 

Oh, where to begin.

I’m managed at OAUTHC’s Neurology and Ophthalmology clinics for chronic migraines at the former, and glaucoma, myopia, and astigmatism at the latter. One consistent piece of advice from my doctors was to "stay away from stress." My recurring (often inward) response? “I’m a student at OAU — how ever am I to manage that?” 

The migraines were frequent, debilitating, and often accompanied by blinding eye ache. Walking under the blistering OAU sun, with pain searing one side of my skull and every movement triggering sharp discomfort, became a ''normal'' part of my days. Many days ended with a migraine episode triggered or intensified, and with assignments, tests, and exams continuously coming, I had to study through it.

Being photosensitive, daylight — especially on sunny days — often made the struggle even more intense.

Frequent hospital appointments and medical tests, particularly in Part Two, meant I missed several lectures. While I was able to gather notes from classmates and studied to catch up, missing some of the foundational lectures proved costly.

In Part Three, I had to undergo eye surgery at the beginning of the academic year, which only added to the complications of that period. I’m grateful to Qonitat Mahmud and Adewumi Atoyebi, who were helpful with course materials and lecture notes during this time.

While I keep these struggles private, I share them now in the hope that perhaps it shifts someone’s perspective or reminds some other person that goals are achievable even as you to struggle to stay afloat the waves of your challenges. 

Another struggle was adjusting to campus life — being around so many people, adjusting to the environment, and living in the hostel. It was especially difficult in Part 1, but over time, I learned how to manage and I took breaks whenever I could (often during lecture-free week and every other weekend). AlhamduliLlaah for places of escape and the people through whom they are availed. Special, special thanks to 'Aishah Adewole, Maryam Adewole and AbdulHafiiz Adewole for all the ways they allowed me to unplug in their spaces.

In addition, when I first came to the university, answering questions on Literature felt fuzzy to me. I didn’t know how to approach readings, how to structure my answers, or what practices to follow for writing Literature essays. I’m thankful to Nafisat Adeyemi, a senior from secondary school and then a senior in Literature, whose responses brought much clarity to my confusion. It took experimentation and mistakes. However, in my final semester, alhamdulillah, I received a comment from a professor on my Literature test script exclaiming, "Simply good! You will go places!!''. In our LIT 404 central test, I, along with a classmate, achieved the highest score. An infamously conscientious lecturer also shared that he was "very impressed" with my essay in the Literature final exam. This journey from confusion to commendation where Literature was concerned is one of the most rewarding aspects of my university experience.

Another initial struggle I had was group projects. But over time, I adapted and even grew into managing teams myself. Over the course of my study, I had the privilege of managing no fewer than four group projects, including a course development and pitching project. AlhamduliLlaah, I was fortunate to develop systems that proved efficient, and I was humbled to see some of my teammates adopt them when they took on leadership roles in their own projects.

Let me cap it with the challenges encountered here.

AlhamduliLlaah that the goal was achieved in spite of it all.

 *Did you engage in extra-curricular activities?*

At the beginning, I was trying to acclimate to campus life, and I realized early on that my performance is at optimum when my focus is not fragmented. However, during the extended breaks — long holidays, strikes, and the COVID period — I gradually built experience in various areas. By my final years, I had developed skills and built professional experience as a Content Development Manager, Copywriter, Editor, Proofreader, Content Strategist, and Community Manager for businesses in the marketing, management, and nonprofit sectors.

Also, as an undergraduate, Professor Ayoola invited me to co-author with him a now-published 21-page chapter titled "Online Creativity: Copywriting, Brand Storytelling, and Scriptwriting" for the book _Expanding the Scope of English for Specific Purposes: Digital Career Opportunities for English Graduates._ 

While I primarily focused on my academics during school sessions, in my final year, I accepted invitations to contribute to, plan, and help manage a number of remarkable projects and events. This was also when I transitioned from virtual to in-person volunteering, at times balancing both. I got to take part in some very interesting events and projects through these.

 *How did you balance them with academics?* 

Through a sleuth of academic disappointments, I learnt to broaden my perspective and embrace pursuits beyond just academics. I had a study schedule that was structured yet flexible, allowing room for adjustments as needed.

 From a book I read, I learnt to maximize pockets of time — the few minutes between lectures, the time waiting for class to start, the gaps between lectures, etc. — to make progress on tasks. I also made mental (and sometimes digital or analog) notes of things I needed to complete by the end of the day. 

Anyone who’s lived with me, especially my roommates, know well I set alarms for seemingly odd times throughout the day. These alarms were my way of staying on track and keeping time at the forefront of my mind as the day unfolded.

I also found it helpful to break down tasks into manageable chunks. For example, if an essay was due, I’d divide it into research, gathering secondary materials, studying those materials, locating relevant studies and articles, brainstorming, drafting, editing, and proofreading. Each phase was then assigned to specific sections of the day over several days (when possible).

Another strategy that worked well for me was setting personal deadlines ahead of the official ones, creating a buffer for inevitable circumstances and ensuring I had more leisure time. Prioritizing tasks was essential to maintaining some semblance of balance.

Ultimately, all praise is due to Allāh for His Aid and Mercy, which enabled me to stay grounded through the responsibilities and strategies that helped me manage the 'a lot'.

 *What did you have to forego to get here?* 

A vast amount of comfort. However, Islam advocates that a Muslim should strive to attain _ihsaan_ (excellence) in all affairs and deeds. This principle inspires my efforts to ensure that myself and my work — whether mundane tasks or professional duties — are reflections of excellence. Ultimately, I'm pleased that the toil was not for naught.

*What would you consider as failure?* 

Do you mean generally or in academics specifically?

*Have you failed a course before?*

Failure is a relative concept. 

While I’ve never recorded an 'F' in any course, falling short of my grade goal, 'A', for every course has often been dispiriting. However, while it’s admirable to aim for the best, it’s also key to recognize that our worth and capabilities transcend our grades and class of degree. There are circumstances beyond our control in academics — and in life in general — that can influence outcomes, despite our best efforts.

 Exams and tests are not always the most accurate measure of a student’s capabilities. Failure in a course is not always a reflection of a student’s effort or ability. While it can be an indicator, it is not always the case. A student may not achieve a desirable grade not because they weren’t diligent, but due to force majeure events.

*In what way do you think this has impacted junior colleagues in the department?* 

I'm not entirely sure. In the past few weeks, since the news spread, I’ve had several encounters where people immediately recognize my name and ask, “Are you the Shakirah, _the_ Adewole Shakirah...?” I’ve also met some who expressed excitement to meet me, which was truly humbling and unexpected.

I do hope that this achievement, along with the successes of our predecessors, strengthens the beams of inspiration and possibility in the minds of junior colleagues. You don’t have to inherit others’ fears, no matter how credible their concerns might seem. It’s possible to set your sights on the peak — even if no one has ever reached it before. You are not them; they are not you. Their journeys and outcomes do not need to mirror yours, just as your own will not always reflect the paths of others.

It’s important to reframe your mindset and put forth your best efforts in every pursuit. That way, when a phase of life furls to a close (as all phases do), you can look back with confidence and assert, “I could not have done more than I did; I did the best I possibly could,” regardless of the results.

 *What were your most fun moments as an undergraduate?* 

One of the most delightful experiences for me was the weekly walks with Sister Maryam Salahudeen in Part Four, as we made our way to our volunteering venue. We had conversations, shared joke and simply enjoyed each other'd company. The warmth of camaraderie with other fellow volunteers was also pretty sweet.

In Part Three, Professor Uwasomba's lectures on Modernism also stand out as fond memories.

Moments spent with Toluwalope Korede, walking to and (sometimes) fro classes, swapping jokes and sharing bants, were enjoyable.

Many moments with Qonitat Mahmud also stand out as highlights of my time here.

Also, (re)meeting sisters at the Geology praying area, having quick chats, warmly exchanging greetings and handshakes, and hugs amidst the long, tiring days, was often very refreshing.

To name just a few.

 *With a First Class honours in English, what do you plan on delving into?* 

May we be witnesses to a beautiful unfurling.