Not too long ago I was talking to a colleague on campus who seemed really frustrated about something. The daunting looks on his face said it all. I asked him what the problem was and he replied saying the semester was very challenging, and he doubted his ability to earn good grades. This anxiety is not uncommon among many university students (and I sometimes fall victim, too), but perseverance is a key to overcoming such challenges.
During my childhood, life seemed perfect. I had little to worry about. But as I grew older, the realities became apparent; among them are challenges; and perseverance, commitment, creativity, diligence, dynamism, interpersonal relationships, and trust.
I experienced my first major test of self-confidence when I was sixteen years old. Then, I was appointed African correspondent for a leading multilingual, and global Internet soccer media company, SoccerAge.com (now Goal.com). I knew little about soccer, and nor had I acquired any formal or informal training, or hands-on experience in the field of journalism.
I was extremely nervous, and I questioned my ability to live up to expectations. I had to thrive on extensive research while also seeking help from individuals who were well-established in this field. Four years later, my achievements earned me a position as Africa Editor. This gave me an opportunity to as well mentor others on my team, although in 2007, in a move to fully concentrate on my studies, I decided to resign from the Italy-headquartered organization after 7 years.
So what did accepting the initial role mean to me? I learned that one does not need to dwell in his or her comfort zone; that one needs always to have a positive mind, and substantial degree of self-confidence, to face the never-ending challenges of life.
Although I have made some remarkable achievements in the field of journalism, I have to admit I have sometimes doubted my potential in other areas.
I had to deal with major challenges in the academic sector, firstly when choosing a major, and secondly, in dealing with my perception of how well I would fare in my career of choice. I experienced what many of my colleagues (both on and off campus) admit is one of the most challenging decisions they ever have to make.
I recently read with great interest the response of Cydney Delia (learning consultant at University of Baltimore) to concerns from a student in the March edition of The UB Post, the university’s official newspaper. The student, who referred to himself/herself as “Bored to Tears”, expressed the negative impact boredom has on his/her intentions of attaining a degree in the near future. Cydney’s response to that student in the Opinion column was truly inspirational, and it meant a lot to me, too.
It made me not only reflect on my own personal experiences and challenges, but also to “believe I’m in control of my intelligence and learning, I’ll try harder and I’ll actually improve far better than anyone (myself included) even expected.” That is exactly the challenge that I now encourage my college and university colleagues around the world to accept, and I have no doubt in my mind that you can as well develop this inner self-belief.
Just like Cydney, my Mom is among many people who have been a great inspiration to me. She keeps reassuring me that there is nothing I am incapable of doing, and also warns me of a “self-fulfilling-prophecy” which Cydney elaborated on. That is another powerful message I intend to share with my colleagues who face similar problems.
The outstanding academic achievements of my elder sister, Miatta Dabo, who is a UB Law School alum, as well as the advice of some of my professors, academic adviser, family, and friends, have also been highly instrumental in my development.
Other people who motivate me and also show interest in my learning include Dr. Richard M. Turner, III (President Emeritus, Baltimore City Community College), who stays in touch and encourages me to keep up the good work.
I am now very much determined to face the challenges. On campus we many times perceive some professors as being very, very challenging, but I also believe the way we [students] adapt in the classroom environment is really what makes a huge difference.
Currently serving my second semester at UB, having transferred from Baltimore City Community College, my experience on campus has so far been overwhelming. I see myself getting more involved; I work as a Peer Network Adviser through the Academic Resource Center, and more willing to participate in events on campus (many of which I would have felt naïve to undertake some time ago).
Considering this factor, I challenged myself and acknowledged an invitation from the International Student Office (ISO) to represent Africa at an event on campus, Holidays Around the World, where I gave a presentation. I accepted another invitation from the ISO to be a panel member to discuss Getting to Know UB: The Culture of US Higher Education. Participating in these activities on campus is a new experience for me, which I am sure is helping me gain more self-confidence.
Moreover, it is such an awesome atmosphere when students gather and share valuable ideas with one another; I am always happy to be in such environments, and I believe most of my colleagues also feel the same. For example, I had one such fruitful discussion with some new colleagues while attending UB Advocacy day in Annapolis, and I reinforced my knowledge on the significance and some of the rewards of getting more involved with activities on campus.
In another area, I understand many students have fear of public speaking (and I used to be one of those students, too). I now urge you to step out of your comfort zones, and seek help on campus if necessary. Yes, we all have the ability to become better speakers; yes we can (and this is unrelated to the Senator Obama Campaign slogan), but the first step is taking the initiative to get started.
There are many rewarding programs and facilities available to UB students on campus, and utilizing them can only help one improve his/her capability in many different areas. One such activity is the Leadership Certification Program (which I am currently participating in), which has a goal of enhancing students’ capabilities to becoming better leaders.
I am also very honored to have been recently accepted into the Omicron Delta Kappa UB Circle. The ODK is a National Honor Leadership Society “for college students, faculty, staff, administrators, and alumni – and membership is a mark of highest distinction and honor.”
The Academic Resource Center (ARC), Career Center, Center for Student Involvement (CSI), Helen P. Denit Honors Program, and International Student Office (ISO) at UB are among offices that have lots of services available for students, while clubs and organizations on campus also provide students with a unique opportunity to lay hands on invaluable experience.
Based on observations during my short time at UB so far, it seems to me that the faculty and staff are truly committed to contribute to the learning of students. Most essentially, it is up to students to make the best of the opportunities that the university has to offer.
The rewards of taking advantage of useful opportunities are not only limited to enjoying academic excellence or attaining a degree, but it can also lead to a phenomenal transformation within oneself — from once being narrow-minded with naïve thoughts, to developing a more dynamic and focused mind, one with unparalleled resolute self-confidence.
Just as Golda Meir once put it: “Trust yourself. Create the kind of self that you will be happy to live with all your life. Make the most of yourself by fanning the tiny, inner sparks of possibility into flames of achievement.”
—Ibrahim is currently studying Management Information Systems at UB. He is an Honors student, Hammonds Scholar, and involved in a number of activities on campus. He is also a contributor to the university’s newspaper – The UB Post.
This article was first published on Ibrahim Dabo’s unofficial website – Idabo.com.com – on Mar. 30, 2008.
