#17 – Today and admiration

8:36 am. Today, I was addressed the way I dressed. It felt pretty good. I also kind of felt like an imposter; maybe because that was my intention?

My school is having her 25th convocation ceremony, and today is the Convocation Lecture, Congregation Admission to Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D), and Conferment of Rank of Emeritus Professor and Honorary Degrees. I was accidentally informed by my classmates while we were going home. We all decided to attend. But first, we had to confirm if students would be allowed into the hall. We headed there and asked one of the coordinators. He said, “yes”, but we would need to come extra early. So, we planned to come at 7 am. The event was slated for 10 am, but all guests should be seated at 9 am0-ish. Regardless of the coordinator’s assurance that students would be allowed to attend the program, we prepared for the worst by agreeing to come extra early. For me, I also decided to dress to match the occasion.

So, this morning, I left home at past 7 and got to school at 7:45 am. My “official” outfit included a green silk shirt and black trousers. I wore shiny black flat shoes with gold details and topped my outfit off with a black handbag (I always take my backpack to school). Of course, I had a pretty good curly wig on. As I neared the hall, I feared that I was going to be queried before entering the hall. Regardless, I assumed a stance of authority and walked straight into the hall. I caught some stares, but no one approached me. Almost all the seats in the hall were reserved, so I settled in to one of the few unreserved ones at the back.

For flare, I brought out my phone and stylus. Then, began pseudo-working on my phone. I was actually looking for an app that can turn handwriting into typed text. After installing, testing, and uninstalling three applications, I finally found FiiNotes. Then, I brought out my note to do some work on my thesis. I had reviewed some papers and needed to type them. I used the app to write them and convert the written texts to typed text. Very convenient. Time went by really slowly, though.

The worst then happened. At about 9 am, the M.C. came onstage to tell students, staff, and members of the senate to move to other venues in the University to watch a live stream of the program. Yikes. He sounded this warning (yes, it was a warning) multiple times, but I stayed put. I was actually expecting someone to ask me to leave. At this point, the hall had less than 20 guests. But no one did. My classmates got to the hall about 10 minutes earlier but were denied entry (our fear). So, I continued appearing busy. I started “reading” a paper and making notes. Absolutely ridiculous. I feared being embarrassed if someone actually came to me, so I considered leaving the hall a few times. However, I really really wanted to witness the event live.

As more guests came in, I saw people who were unmistakably students accompany invited guests. I asked why they could be there, but I couldn’t (does this make me a horrible person?). It made me bolder to stay. Plus, at 10 am, there were so many people, that it became obvious that no one was going to be directly queried and told to get out. However, as more invited guests and dignitaries came in, I saw the reason for the requests that students, staff, and senate shouldn’t be in the hall. The space was needed. Order was also required. Although I don’t feel proud of ignoring a direct order, I wish it had not been given in the first place. If I felt guilty, I would say that I wish I had obeyed the directive.

I truly enjoyed staying. I got to listen to wonderful people like Mrs Ibukunola Abiodun Awosika and Honourable Abike Dabiri-Erewa.  They were awarded honorary doctorate degrees. I was in absolute awe of them. Do you ever have the desire, inspiration, and assurance to do exploits when you see great people who have done wonderful works? I do. Their stories made me assured that greatness starts normally. Even if you’re destined to do the best thing in the world, you’re first born. Then you have a childhood. You go to school and switch careers multiple times. What adds up to eventual greatness are the little things you do; lead a club, participate in a community building project, intern somewhere, manage a team, be appointed as a consultant somewhere. Unconsciously, you grow till your impacts NATURALLY become large scale. Dr Ibukunola Awosika (she is a Dr. now) said that the reward for great responsibility comes with the expectation to do more work. I believe this. I am inspired by great women.

This is 500 words (or more ?)! Talk to you tomorrow!

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