Leadership, Grades, and Growth: My Institution Journey

Hey friends! 👋

I'm Rotaractor Duruji Francis Chigozie, a Final Year Mechatronics Engineering Students at Federal University Otuoke, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. I'm excited to share my journey in the Institution with you all.

I gained admission in October 2018 for the 2018/2019 academic session but due to the ongoing ASUU - Academic Staff Union of Universities then, I started classes in January 2019.

As my studies progress, I had my ups and downs but made significant achievements academically having good grades. Thought I wasn't satisfied with the grades because I have always pushed myself for more, I had to sit up and adjust myself. In my second year, my hard work paid off, and my grades improved significantly, placing at the edge of reaching my set academic goals.

In my third year, I took up a new challenge - Student Unionism. I contested and won as the Executive President of my department, AMMES - Association of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering Students, which happens to be the largest department in my Institution due to the fact that is emerged with two programs (Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering) and I worked with my team and Executive Council to make positive Impact. But it wasn't all smooth sailing. I faced setbacks and self-doubt, especially when the COVID-19 pandemic, disrupted our academic calendar. However, I preserved and grew, both academically and personally.

Here is a summary of my achievements in office as the Executive President of AMMES.

Leading my department wasn't easy, but it was worth it. I faced many challenges from the Student community, made a significant impact, and I'm proud of what we achieved. Navigating from the students pressing issues, complains and demands to balancing academic and student unionism is tough, but I've learned so much about resilience and leadership, and also how to prioritize and manage my time effectively.

Balancing academic and extra curriculum activities aren't easy at all, that was why I fought to obtain a good grade in my first and second year.
As a Leader, we lead by example and been one in the educational sector, you have to be a living proof to those we're leading. You can't be encouraging people to have goods while you yourself has nothing to show for it; this understanding made me labor more for my academics despite the office am holding as the Executive President of my department.

What's your favorite part of your Institution journey so far? Share with me, let's support each other!

Stay tuned for more updates as this wasn't the only position I held in my Institution and let's connect.