Aanuoluwatomiwa Oke
In the following series of interview, NAPS PRESS had the privilege of having heart-to-heart conversations with immediate past members of the press who are currently graduating with outstanding achievements. We have Odunayo Ogunseye, the best graduating student of the department and an erstwhile Treasuer for NAPS PRESS. She continually serves as a channel of inspiration to members of the National Association of Philosophy Students' Press Organization, and the Department of Philosophy at large.
NAPS PRESS: Can we meet you?
Odunayo: My name is Ogunseye Odunayo Seun. A graduate and a former pressman from the Department of Philosophy (2021/2022) set. I'm also an entrepreneur running the an online store known as "Triple O Fashion Store".
NAPS PRESS: How would you describe your sojourn as an undergraduate?
Odunayo: Hmm. My undergraduate days in the University of Ibadan was a rollercoaster of emotions. There were days I felt happy that I was studying Philosophy, and on some days, I get exhausted and tired of being a student. Summarily, the beautiful days outnumbered the bad days because I met different people with beautiful souls who made it worthwhile. I have been able to garner knowledge that might actually seem impossible to get outside this discipline.
NAPS PRESS: How were you able to consistently maintain good grades?
Odunayo: Maintaining the good grades was not really easy but I understood myself and knew what kind of reading method worked for me. I actually find it difficult to understand a topic unless I attend the class. So I made sure I was always attending classes and jotting things down. During tests and exams, I formed my notes by making researches and by reading books and articles that would help me in my courses. Also, I cannot say I maintained the good grades alone because God actually blessed me with friends that cared about my grades even more than I did. They were always cheering me up and sending me books, links to articles and so on in order to do well. God also helped me by crowning all of my efforts and sleepless nights.
NAPS PRESS: Getting married and having a baby as a student were huge steps you took. Would you say these major life decisions affected your academics? In what way(s)?
Odunayo: Yes, they affected me (in the first semester) but it was not that bad because my partner stood by me through out the phase. I had my baby when I was in my finals. My suggestion was to defer my admission because I didn't even know how to go about taking care of a baby alone. However, my husband and my friends (Babs, Jayi and Mayowa) convinced me to come back that they would render all the help I needed. They gave me the assurance that I would do well. But I was pessimistic because I couldn't even attend classes throughout the first semester.
During these times, I was receiving voice recordings of classes and notes from them to prepare for exams. It was really difficult to understand, but I was determined to give it my all in order to do well in the exams. I was already used to the lifestyle when second semester started, so it was a bit easier for me. My classmates were all supportive too.
NAPS PRESS: As the best graduating student of the department, what words do you have for NAPSITES?
Odunayo: NAPSITES, know what works for you. Do not imitate the reading style of people. Having the right ones in your corner is also a vital factor to achieve greatness. Because without my friends who always encouraged me; praying for me and more, I would have given up on myself. Also, having a good grade in one session should not make you rest on your oars because the push is more difficult than the pull (to push your grades up is hard but to pull it down is very easy when you relent).
NAPS PRESS: Thank you so much for your time.
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