So many times I have stood before Doctorate Degree Holders and Professors without Fear or anxiety, but yesterday experience was a story from another angle.
I saw Professors as people who has distinguished themselves in terms ,of academic excellence but that has not made them little gods even if some claim to be Alpha and Omega of their discipline and anything they handle.
Yesterday, I was right in front of FOUR ERUDITE PROFESSORS for interrogation, Interview, querry and whatever you might want to call it.
The kind of feelings in me was very unusual because I don't see myself nervous in front of any Personality rather, they should fear my presence (Not Pride but Self Development and Confidence)
They were PROFSSSORS from the NIGERIA UNIVERSITY COMMISSION (NUC) and right on my mind, I was ruminating on what angle the questions might come from which was the reason for my Nervousness.
The first question starting from me was my "NAME". I replied "IKULAJOLU ADESOLA FESTUS". I later reintroduced as "ADESOLA FESTUS IKULAJOLU" after rejecting my first introduction- note the difference.
I thought of one fact that gave me Confidence to surpress the Anxiety- being one of the few chosen to sit to defend others and speak on their behalf.
I wasn't the only one but I was probably the Youngest. After several minutes of interrogation, we became Friends with The PROFESSORS and what seems like an hot seat later became a Relief.
We smiled at each other as questions after the other were sounding hilarious.
It sounds funny when an ACCREDITING PROFESSOR asks you if "Lecturers flog you or ask you to kneel down". It is comic reliefing.
What an awesome moment that left us happy and smilling as the PROFESSORS enjoyed their FRUITS and we bowed out.
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To the real point: there are times you build yourself to the level that nothing scares you except yourself.
You need to start standing up to the matters that builds your courage.
Also, never get so intimidated by a person's Status such that you become a puppet to them. You both have equal right of Communication. Even if they are higher than you, you still learn from them with the Courage in you.
© IKULAJOLU ADESOLA