DO NOT BE AN ISLAND
Few days ago, while in a class, a lecturer of mine mentioned this phrase. While I’ve heard it for quite a number of times, it sounded different this time. I’m yet to pinpoint the reason why that phrase has stuck with me for the past few day, and that’s why I am writing on it now. Perhaps by doing this, I’ll figure out the reason and finally be able to get my mind off it.
image made with canva
And of course, you’ve also heard of it numerous times, but I’d love if you can go through this post with an open mind. Perhaps you too might have an epiphany (or whatever it is I had) while going through it.
The first physical class I’d be having since a very long time, and to an extent, I was quite a bit nervous before the class started for two reasons, the first one was because I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to transition back into seeing physical classes as a normal thing after being used to the online version of things, and the other being that the course was engineering mathematics – a general engineering course dreaded by students in the college of engineering.
It didn’t take before I started to feel at ease in the class as the man taking the course took his time to explain things in details. Maybe engineering mathematics isn’t so hard after all. 😉😂
It was after the class had ended that he decided to give us practical tips by which we could achieve success in the course. One of those tips – “DON’T BE AN ISLAND”
He stressed on the fact that nobody knows all, not even distinguished professors, so it is impossible for us to know every aspect of the course in detail. But the fact that one doesn’t understand a particular aspect of the course doesn’t mean another wouldn’t, and that is why we have to form a sort of support group where we can all, overtime, develop a symbiotic relationship where we help each other grow and cover our lapses.
One other thing of note that he mentioned was that when forming that kind of group, it is best not to make it a group of like minds(people of the same academic intelligence). We should strive for diversity. I found it quite strange at first, but after thinking about It for a while, I came to realize that he might actually be correct. Forming a group of A-listers does not necessarily mean that knowledge would be shared amongst them as there might be competition and creating a group of “non A-listers” isn’t any better, in fact, that is actually worse. So diversity is very important when seeking out to form a support group. That way, real impact can be made.
Even the reds will tell you to “Never walk alone” – an affirmation of the fact that the concept of companionship transcends just academics, it is very much universal.
I’ll wrap it up with another popular phrase which goes thus; “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together”.
Cheers to immeasurable success in our endeavors.
Thanks for going through this post. Do have a nice day.
Nice one man. Of a truth, I thought I was the only who felt it would be hard blending back into a physical class but Engr. Ben killed that thought with his simple method of teaching.
No man is an island is the hard truth we sometimes overlook. We need defined human relationships in life to help achieve certain heights even in schools too.
Thanks for sharing.👍
Thanks for going through.
To think that I was just starting to enjoy the virtual way of things.. This life is indeed a pot of beans. 😂
I know we'll survive this too tho.
Beautiful write up. Thanks for sharing.
Boss of bosses 🙌🙌
I really appreciate you for stopping by. 🙇
You are welcome sir.
Now you are getting a hand of everything. Learning to create content from what you observe about your environment and sharing your thoughts, your view on it. That’s how one becomes a blogger. Inspiration doesn’t just drop from the sky, one only needs to have a listening hear and an observative eye.
What a lovely comment. I think I will check out your profile. 🙂
It's all thanks to your guidance. 🙌🙌
Life's little synchronicities bring me such joy. 🙂 Just this morning, I was guided to make the most of my network, past, present and future, without focusing on any one particular group or type, but rather allow for diverse connection to bloom.
Thank you for sharing your insights.
Thank you for going through the post, and thank you also for your comment.
I'm glad you could make good use of your connections. That's one of the many reasons why having networks of friends is important, you never know when they'll come in handy.