s551 ADENIYI Sheriff Adebowale Nigeria Journal (Group 33);
Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, Nigeria.
I grew up in a rural community, a very challenging and restrictive environment with high illiteracy level. Our survival depends on hoe and cutlass; we must work very hard to eat. We rely on small stream nearby for all our use, if dry season extends beyond normal, plague is come knocking; but thanks to the nature that is ever helping. You only see electricity once in a year; when we go to visit your family for ‘Eild-Kabir’ celebration, after which another 365-day will be in the shanty. Accessibility was an issue, communication was a challenge. But thanks to education; it took me out.
The harrowing effect of my childhood experience carved in me the decision of assisting others in need. To help others, cares for others and provides no matter how big or small is all I want to do and that, I have been doing. For this reason, I have always wanted a platform to learn and share my story. To me, the news about GEEBIZ came just at the nick of time. When I learnt about this from a friend, I browsed the net to get more, read, downloaded previous works, commitment and success stories, quite interesting and it ignited my interest. In anticipation to be onboard, I kept diary and reminder on my mobile phone checking it almost every day; I must not miss this.
It all started as I had anticipated and the contest got underway. Although, I might not be opportune to tour the globe today, sit and have roundtable business discussion, but I have in just within the few days of the contest cut across 7 countries where my team mates reside. I learnt about them and I also shared my story. Interesting it was.
To keep pace with my team, at least in the little of my capacity, I had to be on net at least two hours a day. Then comes the big challenge, internet connection, to get a reliable one needs money, the wheel of progress. Though I may be crippled by inadequate capital, but I was always enthuse about this since I have heard about it. The saying that what worth doing is worth doing well triggered me to sell my cell phone. It gives some cash, enough to get better connected and that pushes me extra miles. Being incommunicado for days should be depressing, but for me it is part of the journey. It makes me rather happy because it yielded. I had more time to surf the net and as expected, my team contribution improved.
To have people in all part of the world engaged and have a mutual understanding in a such a short time, challenges will always be there and after all, it is an integral part of our daily tasks, besides the world of ours is on its own an enormous challenge to be overcome. Brainstorming on our project was a bit tasking for me because I do not initially know how to use Google discussion board which draw me back, yet I was thoroughly carried along.
Stating what this platform has impacted on me is like saying the obvious, yet, it is better to count our blessings so the whole world may see the joy in what we are doing says the holy book. Before, when word like BANDWIDTH, CASCADING, HTML and all the jargons of computer are mentioned, it gives me headache because it always appears hard. I was to write about the operation of our project alongside the team leader, Cara. I know I have options; to do it or not. For the sake of team, I chose to do it.
By assuming roles and finding information even when I had to read junks about field I hitherto seen as specially made for the genius, I have realised that nothing is naturally difficult but our mindsets made them to be; that until I started accepting responsibility, I will never realise what I can and what I cannot do. I would have argued it if someone says I am yet to realise myself, but thanks to this platform, it has made me to know what I am of. In the quest for information, I have gained profound knowledge about various bandwidths of African, Asian and European countries.
Owing to this wonderful experience, I will be working vigorously towards how my school can simulate the course design of this contest and in the meantime, taking the gospel of Global Enterprise Experience to the nooks and crannies within my reach.
I do not know how extra to appreciate all the stakeholders of this, God almighty, the sole motivator; my team members; GEEBIZ organisers; a friend that opened my eyes to this and everyone else including you. I cannot just leave without saying thank you all for making this happen in my life, it is a short journey but a milk of wisdom.