Today, I’ll let you in on an incident that happened so many years ago. My alma mata, Ajoke International School (a prominent Primary School in Ibadan) used to organize Prize Giving Days at the end of each session. Prizes were given to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Positions for each class unit; and a grand essay competition for every pupil from primary 4 to primary 6 was also rewarded with 1st, 2nd and 3rd Positions, and each winning essay was read out to the delight of the parents.
More than three decades ago, I wrote an ultra-interesting essay that gave me an immersive nickname to date. Can still remember the standing ovation, from the numerous parents at the prize-giving day at Ajoke International School, cheering the 8 year old boy, up when he came up to receive his award. Such was the thrill, on the day, that everyone rose to their feet after reading the essay, to either spot the young chap that was called up as the THIRD POSITION, and more interesting, was the fact that he was just in Primary 4, while the earlier positions have been won by Primary 6 students. Of a truth, the essay was the most humorous of the two earlier read essays of the FIRST and SECOND Positions.
For a very longtime, this incident has always been my go-to when I feel down. Imagine receiving some bashing from some bosses, or getting some back-stabbing jabs from friends and acquaintances, this incident when replayed in my memory reminds me of who I am, A CHAMPION that needs to be reminded of my identity.
I am not a child psychologist, but little things spur kids to achieve greater things. I have been involved in the organization of the GOODNESS LEAGUE competition at UAC of Nigeria Plc. and I can remember those moments with the kids, and how lightened up their faces are for the 10 weekends. Lately, at SystemSpecs Group , I have been overcome with emotions with testimonials from both parents an students, when prizes were given for their well crafted original essays; its an emotional bank account credited, that can last a lifetime.
The best gifts are inspirational, and can be life-changing, the good moments we create could just be the turning point for a Child’s aspirations.