“Faith, Focus and Leadership helped me to excel”-first class alaidate

The degree with a first -class degree is a remarkable company, but doing it while guiding an important tutorial on the campus and acting as a student shepherd makes it even more extraordinary.

Samuel Sodunke Sunday, a recent first-class graduate at the Department of British and Literary Studies at Federal University, Oye-Ceati (Fuoye), reached a 4.62 CGPA.

In this exclusive interview with Korade Badmus, he shares his journey of balancing academic, leadership and personal growth, while offering insights to students who fight for excellence.

Can we meet you?

They are Samuel Sodunke Sunday, a recent graduate of Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, where I studied English and literary studies.

What was your CGPA after graduation?

4.62.

Looking back to your first year, have you ever imagined to graduate with a first class?

YES. It was a dream that I nourished and I am happy that it came true.

What was the biggest challenge you faced as a student of English and literary study and how did you pass it?

Time management was my biggest challenge. Balance various activities was difficult, but I developed strategies soon to manage my time effectively.

Many students fight with consistency. How did you manage to stay concentrated and maintain excellence for four years?

There were moments of discouragement, especially when I didn’t immediately see the results of my hard work. However, I was concentrated remembering my goals and the progress I had done. That mentality made me go on.

Was there any times when you doubted yourself? How did you silence those doubts?

Yes, there have been times when I doubted myself. I have overcome them by leaning against my faith in God and his promises.

What study habits or personal principles have helped you achieve academic success?

My main principle was to maintain a positive mentality. I thought if I had studied, I would have passed. I also prayed and planned my academic objectives at the beginning of each semester.

In addition, I looked for a guide from my elderly, I studied past questions and I secured to understand the expectations of my teachers.

You started the Fuoye Bank Questions tutorials as a 100 -level student: what inspired you to take such responsibility so early?

During the Covid-19 block, there were no physical lessons and I didn’t like studying alone. I created a study group, which later evolved into a center of tutorial in all respects, Fuoye question Bank.

What was the most satisfying moment of your journey as a leader tutorial?

Seeing students excel and even overcome my academic performance was deeply satisfying.

If I could teach a life lesson beyond the academics to your students, what would it be?

The votes count, but they are not everything. The experience, impact and skills are equally important. I have participated in five interviews since I graduated and only one asked my CGPA, the rest concentrated on my skills and experiences. Students should start preparing for life after school in advance by volunteering, acquiring skills and working in significant activities.

How did you balance a better student with extracurricular activities?

It was demanding, but I entrusted the help of God and the effective management of time. I gave my academics priority as I made room for leadership and other commitments.

What does the word “failure” mean for you? Do you think that failure and success go hand in hand?

The failure, for me, is surrendering. He is a catalyst for success, depending on his perspective. Every time I fail something, I channel my emotions to work more until I reach my goal.

You were also the shepherd of your company. How did your faith influence your academic journey?

Being a shepherd did not automatically guarantee academic success, but he gave me a sense of responsibility. He also provided a platform to influence the lives positively, keeping me rooted in faith and discipline.

Many students fight with the balance spirituality and academics. What is your advice for them?

Do not separate your academic life from your spiritual life. God is interested in every aspect of your life.

However, the missing lessons or exams for company programs are not the standard of God: students should plan wisely.

What is the biggest lesson you learned about leadership?

Leadership is to take responsibility and make sacrifices.

What would you say to students who feel lost, not motivated or uncertain about their path?

Every time I felt not motivated, so far I reminded me of my journey. The key is to go on. Life is a journey, not a destination.

If you could go back in time and give your self -advice to 100 levels, what would it be?

I would say to my younger one of being more bold. Initially I was afraid of my teachers, which made me lose many learning opportunities. When I finally started working with them, I realized that it was almost too late.

Finally, while you enter the next phase of your trip, what is a message that you would like to leave with the world?

It didn’t end until it’s over.

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