DEAR PENULTIMATE STUDENT

By Ladeh

“Done and dusted!”That was what I said to myself as I dropped my pen in the examination Hall. Second year was over and done with. I stepped outside and joined some of my course mates who were taking pictures just for the sake of taking them. We were all happy but for different reasons, mine being an entirely different one. I was sure most of them were happy to be penultimate students but I was only happy because I would have to stay away from classes at least for two months.

I got home and my mom called. I told her I had written my last paper for the session. She congratulated me and I thanked her. My siblings called and the same thing happened. My uncle called some days later and asked about my exams. I told him I was done and he said “so you are now in 300level, I am really happy for you, congratulations”. It was then and there I realised 300 level was the next big thing in my life.

I had never really shared in the joy or thought of being a penultimate student. I only knew two things. One, it was the year that preceded the final year in my case and two, it meant more workload.

However, the congratulations and prayers made me think things over. “Why were they all congratulating me?””Wasn’t it expected that I moved from one level to another?”As I pondered on these things, a bigger picture surfaced. My earlier thoughts on penultimate year were very far from what it really is.

The”senior girl”, “you are now a big girl” comments made me realise I had grown so much without reference to my age. I had achieved some things and needed to achieve more which comes with a lot of responsibilities. I had worked; prayed and studied but more has to be done. A future is budding and the harvest depends largely on what I do now.

Dear student, your penultimate year is very important as it determines a lot of what later happens in your life. The first thing you need to learn at this stage is to be more independent and have a better look towards life. Independence comes in various forms. The financial and emotional aspects are quite important here. You cannot imagine asking your guardians for allowance till forever. You can start now. Why not bring up a business idea and groom it. Be your own boss. Emotionally, learning to handle matters is another form of independence. You cannot keep running to your parents or other people for solution to all of your problems. You also need to be in control of your emotions. You cannot let your emotions be the judge of all situations. You will face real life issues which will need you to pick between your emotions and your head. Build your mental, emotional and financial capacities.

If no one told you, penultimate year defines how you graduate. If you will graduate well or otherwise, your penultimate year will tell. It is the year to fill in your lapses. Although it is important that you should have worked hard in the previous years, penultimate year is however the phase to work harder. Surprisingly, it is not just a year to fill lapses; it is also a year to maintain a good grade. The Holy Book tells us: “let he who stands take heed lest he falls”. Time management is a very great skill to adopt here. Most students do poorly in their penultimate years because they have not learnt to manage time appropriately. Set goals and assign time limits. This will help a great deal in your penultimate year.

The penultimate year is the year to add Value. You would not be surprised to find students in their final year of study who know nothing outside academics. This year, add value, take intern opportunities, volunteer, get a Microsoft skill, and build your CV.

Set your career goals. Very soon, you will have to face your career and the real world. You don’t want to get out and then start thinking of where to send application letters to. Begin the thinking now. Set a career goal. It is not just enough to identify your career, highlight a number of things or skills you will need in that career and set aside some time every day to practice them. That is your career goal.

Improve your social life. Party, visit places, talk to random strangers and network. Now, the importance of networking is all about adding value to others, genuinely helping others, even while marketing your skills.

Penultimate year is the most amazing study year, don’t miss the opportunity. It is a book. You can’t miss any chapter. Some of the stories will interest you and others will bore you, you can close the book, you have to read it all.