ACADEMICS AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES: HOW TO COPE AS A STUDENT

Olukoga Opemipo Grace

In this year, varieties of incidents have emerged and Covid 19 which derives pleasure in being the limelight has subjected us to its demeaning orders as we try to adapt to the new normal.The virtual learning saga erupted with protocols which appeared difficult to follow being put in place. For the 100 level students, the thoughts of missing the bliss that sprouts from campus life especially during one’s first year due to the curtailment of social activities must have made the freshmen seethe with indignation. They would have been informed about certain activities and how COVID-19 has deprived them of the rights they deserve. Nevertheless, as the first semester was tagged ”a time of dull routines”, the second semester is here to make up for the many social activities which were left behind.

However as the second semester rolls by, many students who are participants in social activities have their minds submerged in a pool of thoughts as they ponder on questions like: “is it a necessity for me to participate in these social activities that grip this semester? Will my academics not suffer if I take a little break and become more social? Is networking really as important as it is said to be? On the other otherhand, those who shy away from social activities pride themselves of being wary of not leaving behind the necessities and going after the trivia. They are fervent believers in the saying that students who engage in social activities get distracted and fail woefully later on. Although, distractions do happen but can we say what social activities bring about are distractions? Do we nip social activities in the bud with the view that it holds more negativity than positivity? Is it really baneful? Certainly, being a first class student is not a one day job and the sacrifices to be made are great but it is also of great importance to be aware that you can’t choose to give these social activities more attention than the first reason you’re in the University of Ibadan and striking an equal balance between these two should be the goal. If you are baffled by the aforementioned questions about participation in social activities, I assure you answers that would proffer solutions to this little dilemma you are faced with. Can one really strike a balance between participation in social activities and academics?

Here are a few things that can help you create a balance between the two:

Create a timetable or set timers for yourself – Being orderly and keeping to time has been of aid to dreamers who have now become successful people today. When they tell you their success story, it appears so easy but they made so much sacrifices which they might even forget to include in the success story they tell. Setting a timetable for yourself will enable you to give equal attention to academics and participation in social activities without leaving aside one to face the other but be truthful to yourself – don’t create a timetable you wouldn’t follow or heed to!

Avoid distractions– Leave aside any social activity that can serve as an hindrance to your pursuit of success. You can’t be involved in all activities. Endeavor to checkmate yourself, place each activity on a range of 1-10 and attend activities that will not balk success or serve as a distraction.

Be a conversant– Learn to speak to those who have been there before. Engaging in conversations with students who have been able to manage academics and social activities is integral. They’ve crossed the paths before. The pieces of advice they have to offer over things they had done right and some things that went wrong will offer lessons and more insights.

However, it is of great importance to work on attaining success and use education as a medium to be successful and have your own voice but it is integral to realize that there’s more to life than being educated. The role of networking, good communication skills, self-development and creativity cannot be ignored.