Modupe Isola on LinkedIn: I am YTOP. YTOP GLOBAL is an organisation - student-based - in Obafemi… (2024)

Poor | Sad | LonelyThere was a time (that should be around three years ago or thereabout) that I had the exact words above, in the same form, as my bio on my WhatsApp profile. It took the convincing power of two people for me to change it to something else. God bless them.I actually didn't see anything wrong with it; I was only acting on the state of my mind then.If we are observant enough, we'd notice that MANY of the things that bother us as humans revolve around - but are not limited to - these three areas: finance, companionship, and emotional stability.Consequent to the last post I made here, the goal of sharing this personal experience is not to say that ALL these have now been taken care of, but I can say that, to a reasonable extent, I am doing better at how I respond to my concerns about them.You see, we may not ALWAYS have everything we want; and that's why it's best that we learn how to LIVE WELL with or without HAVING EVERY THING.MEMORIES. PS: I am still not yet done with addressing this subject matter; you should hear from me one more time GW (winks).#Modupeooreoluwa #MtheStorytellerModupe Isola

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"How is TODAY?"Back then, at Obubra (that's the location of the NYSC orientation camp at Cross River State), while I was there, they would usually pose this question to us on the meditation ground in the mornings.We were taught that we needed to reply in a particular way, saying, "Thank God, today is better than yesterday.".I believe that this was an attempt to help us always look at a new day with optimism and to really find the good in it ... which, to me, is a good thing.Of course, not EVERY new day is better than the previous one, but at least some are.This write-up is not to make you deny the actual state of your day or feign optimism, but to help you be conscious of the fact that THERE ARE ACTUALLY GOOD DAYS IN YOUR LIFE.What should you do about the not-so-good days, then?-Acknowledge the negative experiences. -Look out for the possibilities available to remedy (or cope with) them, if there are any, and pursue them. -Consciously anticipate better days. *Chapter 3 of Joel Osteen's book, YOU CAN, YOU WILL, sheds more light on this. While I conclude with a quote from an esteemed author, I look forward to seeing you being able to find delight in ALL your days - regardless of the experiences they bring. "Welcome every morning with a smile. Look on the new day as another special gift from your Creator, another golden opportunity." Og MandinoSalut!#Modupeooreoluwa #MtheStorytellerModupe Isola

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"Success is a lousy teacher. It seduces smart people into THINKING THEY CAN'T LOSE." - Bill GatesTakeaway: Do not rest on your laurels!

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"Better TO DO SOMETHING IMPERFECTLY than TO DO NOTHING FLAWLESSLY." Robert Schuller***Image credit not mine.

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Mastering The "EMT" Principle: A Necessity.A friend reached out to me not too long ago. She was making a request, ahead of time, to have me spare some moments with her in a bid to share what I would have shared with my younger student-self if I was given an opportunity to…considering that I recently became a graduate.You needed to be there to see (and hear) the excitement in my voice, over the phone, as I welcomed the request. Oooops, the feeling soon disappeared though!I suddenly found myself in a struggle; although I love the idea of sharing from my experiences to pass a message to others, I thought (at the time) that it was still too early to start talking about my experiences as an undergraduate student.I guess that was because I WAS STILL IN DENIAL, finding it hard to believe that I HAVE REALLY COMPLETED MY TERTIARY EDUCATION.I didn't completely get over the struggle that day but I gave myself the chance to reflect for a while, in order to come up with the little memory of experience I could get, that would be profitable to her.I didn't need to think too far, thankfully. There were some lessons my experience in final year taught me which I penned down somewhere. I eventually found the perfect one to share - and that is what I will also be sharing here."E M T" is an acronym I coined for three resources which I discovered were very essential to my success as a student (especially in final year). The resources of EMOTION, MONEY & TIME.I came to recognize that NEXT TO THE FAVOUR I ENJOYED, from God and men, it was also important for me to learn to BE A MASTER over the use of my EMOTION, MONEY, and TIME among others.As simple as this art of gaining MASTERY of these resources may sound, I didn't do quite well at it. That was why I was careful to put the lesson down in a jotter.It would interest you to know that these three resources I choose to call "E M T" are linked to one another: how you use your time and money, to a reasonable extent, have influence over your emotional state.When you find yourself unable to manage all the responsibilities you are entrusted with, because it seems 24hrs is no longer enough; when you find your bank account balance running low unusually ('unusually' because your financial commitments have increased but your income hasn't)...When you find all if these happening at the same time, what do you think will happen to your EMOTIONS? Maybe I should speak for myself: I WILL (and I actually did) BECOME VERY DISTURBED, trust me.That was a very notable observation on my end and once I made it, I started working on it. I tried to limit what I spend on, started thinking of ways to generate income…About TIME USE, I tried (perhaps in a little way) to find a way around my various responsibilities; when I needed to be excused, I didn't hesitate to seek permission (where I could).>>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>>The conclusion is in the comments section.Modupe Isola

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"Expect the BEST, but prepare for the WORST!" - Zig ZiglarI have always wanted to craft out content on the message this quote addresses but I have not found time to do so. However, I think I now have the opportunity.What came to your mind first when you saw the quote? I hope you didn't "GOD FORBID" the 'worst' like a typical Nigerian would do? (Smiles)I would be drawing from two vivid experiences that have helped me to really understand why it is important to approach some aspects of life with the mindset of "expecting the BEST yet preparing for (against) the WORST".August 25-28, 2022 are dates I may not want to forget in a hurry. If you remember, Nigerian students, around this time last year we were away from school for almost 8 months.In the midst of that, my department's (psychology) national body organized a convention that was supposed to hold at LASU. For someone living in the South West, and knowing fully well that this convention (which occurs annually) rarely is hosted in the South West region, it was an opportunity I didn't want to miss. My hopes were high!I was impressed by the list of events that was arranged on the flyer AND, for a fact, the fee was super affordable. All these factors were my motivation, hence I registered for the event.The journey to Lagos was an enjoyable one (apart from the traffic, you know); before evening, I had arrived at LASU campus. It was so nice seeing my classmates and colleagues from other levels and other schools…BUT, for reasons beyond the management of the planning committee, the event did not go as planned! That was verrry discouraging, to be frank.The second experience that further emphasized the message of "expecting the BEST yet preparing for the WORST" is that of a conference that was supposed to hold in my school.I had marked the date for the event on my calendar. D-day came and I was all ready. Then came THE RAIN. That didn't hinder me (by the way): I took my umbrella and set out.Then another obstacle: THE VENUE. I (and many of us who came to time) arrived at the venue only to discover that it was being used by some students for an examination. We had to wait for them to be through, while the rain kept at it…Lol, we couldn't eventually use that venue; we had to source for another venue within the shortest time possible. I was not a member of the planning committee, I was only an attendee and I was not finding the experience funny, ahhh!The programme was a success at last, anyway.*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** To be continued in the comments section.Modupe Isola

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My Dream Campus (Student) Organisation: YTOPI cannot remember the exact date I came across the flyer announcing the Campus Ambassadors opportunity being made available by the YTOP Global community of Obafemi Awolowo University, but I do remember that it was in the first semester of my final year in school that I saw it.YTOP Global, "ytop" being an acronym for "young, talented, optimistic and full of potential", is a team of individuals (primarily students) who are committed to seeing young ones thrive and live up to their potentials.I have always admired the activities of this team from afar, more especially because of the involvement of one of their members Ayomide Adekola , who is also a member of the fellowship I attend.I used to see her share pictures taken of the outreaches they organized, the opportunities she got to develop herself through the organisation and more. I must admit that she is a very dedicated and passionate person.I admired both the qualities that stood her out (which I have mentioned above) and the activities of this organisation, and I secretly wished to be a part of them. This should be around my second year or thereabout.My admiration for what YTOP Global represents, you should be able to tell, inspired me to jump at the opportunity for Campus Ambassadorship being made open at the time. Thankfully, there was no restrictions as to what level the applicants should be from; every interested student, regardless of level, could apply. Voila!That was the turning point for me as an undergraduate student: I was opening myself up to a new experience outside academics. Late? Maybe. But better than never at all, if you ask me.Now, there are some things I have learnt as a result of being a part of this organisation and I will be sharing a few with you:>> Apart from PASSION, what is your WHY? Passion is fickle! It might not be your first time hearing that but that's the truth. You need more than "a rush of emotions" to decide about becoming a part of anything. There are days you won't feel like showing up; what will keep you going then?>> What are you BRINGING to your team? My observation of the YTOP community has revealed that 'every member is the reason why the community is flourishing'. They are all contributing in different ways to the advancement of the organisation. While it is good to want to receive, it is better to go with a mindset of giving through service.>> How are you going to deal with UNFAMILIARITIES & CHALLENGES? This is a very important question you should ask yourself when preparing to volunteer or be a part of a community. There will be challenges either in relation to roles or human relations but be prepared to handle it. Learn.I drop my pen here. I hope you found this meaningful?Modupe Isola YTOP Global 📷: some members of the YTOP community, OAU, and the executive director EKUNDAYO Oluwadamilare PMP®, mMBA at a business retreat held in August.

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I AM YTOP.I shared on this space and some of my other social media networks, last week, that I belong to YTOP GLOBAL organization in Obafemi Awolowo University. I joined the organization as a Campus Ambassador not too long ago and it has been quite a beautiful experience for me...as I have been learning new things. I have been provided the opportunity to TAKE INITIATIVE on projects by working with a team; and I am also able to learn how to MAKE & BUILD CONNECTIONS with new people...etc.YTOP Global provides opportunities for people to VOLUNTEER, INTERN, serve as an AMBASSADOR and more.Again, I ask you (especially if you still have more years to spend here) to tap into any of this offers, as you would definitely be set on a path of all round PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT...among other things. Modupe Isola. Campus Ambassador, YTOP GLOBAL#ytopglobalYTOP Global

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