Papa Mmeso the Lagos Based Teacher |
“I was once like you, someday you will be like me…”
I would never forget this
quote in a hurry. My interlocutor then noted that it was picked off a
tombstone. In a way it gives me the shivers however its message grips my
attention like a vice.
It is said that those who
don’t care a hoot about history will end up making the mistakes of the past in
the present. The holy book has it that there is nothing new under the sun.
Whatever is, has always been once upon a time.
Till date, great
architects, engineers still study ancient mega structures and reuse most of its
engineering marvel in reproducing what we call prodigious edifice today. The
past’s claws will always have a grip on the present and from time to time,
determines the future’s trend.
So my dear students, today
you have put West African Examination Council to the sword. Your result is on
the pipe line. I wish you all the best.
Dusting WAEC leaves one
with this I-have-arrived-feeling. The world is at my feet. The sky within a
touching distance. You feel freer than an eagle soaring somewhere high in the
sky. It is a wonderful feeling. I wouldn’t begrudge you that. I would always
smile in nostalgia seeing you rejoice after walking through WAEC’s gauntlet. I
was once like you…
So celebrate this
milestone. Pop champagne, party hard for a week, month, as much as your body
can take. Relax your wearied nerves and massage you aching joints. However,
don’t forget that you have just taken a step in the journey of a thousand
miles.
But you should know deep
within that WAEC is just the beginning of a new era. In the scheme of things,
it is the first step. If your dream ends with it, then you are as good as
finished. Life is just warming up, haven’t even started yet. You just scaled
your first stepping stone, more are already stepping into position; your
proverbial stumbling blocks.
The world has just
recognized you and has invited you to its ultimate search quest. How prepared
are you to drink off its chalice? Your perception of reality is about to be
confirmed or take a serious hit.
If you would be kind to
keep a diary, years to come will reveal how far the world has left its imprint
on you. You may not consciously notice the change except you put down your
ideas in black and white – in a book.
Your world view would have
undergone serious changes by then. Some of the things you consider less
important in the past may become the corner stone and vice versa. Regrets and
gratitude will trade places in your heart with alarming frequency.
In all this, be yourself.
Stick to your mentor’s advice if you have one and if you don’t, go find one.
The past will always repeat itself in the present. There is nothing new under
the sun. Stick with those who have seen it all. Hearken to their advice. It may
sound somehow to you but it may be your saving grace at the eve of the day.
Remember, the world will
not end because of you. I bet the WAEC body are already scheming for the next
set. Time and tide waits for no one not even you.
You have to get on with
life. Listen to your parents, they have your good intention at heart. Listen to
your teachers, their words have no market value. Listen to friends well
advanced in age, they have been there.
You need not make mistakes
of the past. You can learn from others’ and improve on your experience.
Experience is not the best teacher I dare to say. It leaves its scar and you
may not like it. Learn from others and move on.
Congratulations and
welcome to the table of men.
Yours sincerely,
Papa Mmeso.
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