Dear friend,
I write you this letter from the depth of my heart. I want to share some of my thoughts with you. I believe I could offer some opinions on wading the waters of life after school. Please, carefully read this letter and think about my words.
Firstly, I want to congratulate you upon the completion of your first degree. In this part of the world, one of the hardest things to do is to obtain a Bachelor’s degree. No matter your grade, you have done well to get to this point and you deserve some claps. Kudos!
However, I don’t need to tell you that a new phase has just begun in your life and you’re off to a new journey already. Like our people would say, you are no more in school.
As you move on, you would notice distinct differences in the way the society is and the way school was. But then, don’t be scared. That is life. Life is meant to be lived by you and me. I could tell you few things that could be useful in this journey you are on.
Firstly, do not be afraid. Do not be afraid to fail. Do not be afraid to look like a failure. As you move on, you would trip, sometimes you’d fall. There’d be sometimes you will want to give yourself an A but end up with F. I know that’s unlike school, perhaps you were a straight-A student or you never failed a course all though your university days. But the world outside school is so broad and a little complex for a single individual to muster up all the details in a year. Hence, there’d be times you’d make mistakes because you don’t know some stuff or you didn’t press the right buttons.
As early as the year after graduation, you may be faced with the need to have a change of career. Don’t be afraid of what people will think or say. You may have to do some things that lack value or pride in the face of your friends. But do what works for you. Many of the influential people around today had once been in that stage too. The only people you owe an explanation are your parents. You need to calmly explain to them the reason why you want to veer off the path you studied for in school.
There’s a saying you might have heard while in school. It goes thus, your network is your net worth. It means there is value in relationships. Now that you are out of school, you might need a friend of yours to help with founding a startup, starting a business, doing a project or research. Who knows, you’d need a Junior in the university to recommend you for a position. I hope you treated everyone well while in school?
More so, you’d meet several people along the way. Be careful in choosing who you associate with. It should either be that he/she adds value to you or you’re adding value to him/her. Let relationships be value-based. And reciprocate the value people add you, that’s important. Always apply courtesy in how you relate with everyone. Our parents do tell us to hold our manners along and always remember the children of whom we are. There’s no better time than to live that.
Apparently, the internet has become part of our lives. You need to key into the applications and use the internet for your good. From social networks, forums and emails, the opportunities abound for your chosen career. Forge meaningful relationships online. Learn a lot and secure career opportunities too.
In addition, shine your eyes. That’s funny right? But opportunities that make people fly around in the world and only those who are at alert usually secure such opportunities.
My brother, don’t expect that your certificate will get you what you want in life, even though you graduated with excellent grades. Instead, you have to use your certificate to seek for what you want. Those who excel outside school aren’t those who sit down expecting that Master’s scholarship to come meet them. They aren’t those who expect the 6-figure jobs to come and meet them at home either. But they are the ones who go out and seek for that thing that wakes them up every morning, their dream.
Also, I’d like to let you know the need for you to be consistent in whatever you do. Consistency would help you build process, which enhances quality. Quality is a trait acquired by learning. You won’t most likely the mark at once at the first time on the first day. But, you have to keep at it, improving yourself. Don’t stop perfecting your craft.
Finally, I want to remind you that family means everything. You may need a shoulder to fall back on when friends and associate desert you or you’re faced by some big challenge or crises. Everyday, let them know you appreciate and value them.
I hope I’ve shared some gems in a succinct manner, understandably. The Yorubas would tell you to hold those kind of words in your left hand so that you won’t eat them with food on your right hand. Do have a safe journey in life. Keep moving!
Sincerely yours,
A concerned brother
