Student of Life

I remember when I first heard the phrase "student of History" being used, it was by a Professor uncle of mine who had spent years lecturing University undergraduates, he refered to himself as a student of history and it got me thinking, "why call yourself a student when you are the professor?" Our conversation drew into what seemed like an hour after which I was convinced I needed to become a student of life. (I also went on to study history in the University)

Formal education never seemed enoughforme, I always desired more. learning a new skill, taking a free course. Upon graduating from University in 2004 I enrolled in a "Women model centre" in my home state (Plateau State, Nigeria) and even though the centre catered to women, there was a stigma attached to the kind of women/girls who went there. The centre taught vocational skills, etiquette among other things so it was a concern for me that my society judged me (a graduate) for wanting to attend the model centre. So my plan was to do the six months without anyone there knowing I was a graduate, that was hard because within the first week I realised we had to interact and I became a role model to several women/girls at the centre. I was proof to the students there that they could attain formal education which several of them went on to get.

Flashback to 2000, while I was getting a Diploma in Mass Communication my mother who was a Director ofSocial works at the Local Government Secretariat where she worked decided to do a course in Psychology. She had always loved it but between raising a family and being a social worker the time never availed itself until she made time.So while I and my older sister were going to school and writing final year papers and projects my mother was doing same. Raising four biological children and two adopted ones, being a wife and fulfilling all her responsibilities at work, my mother taught me that a woman cannot be down, she showed me strength is possible and success attainable.

In 2004 my mother passed just before my graduation from a degree in History, she had always encouraged us to reach for all our dreams so I did. I dusted my love and passion for the media, writing and plunged into journalism.

In 2007 I learnt cinematography and video editing skills thought to be male dominated. I remember being at a news conference sometime in 2009 and a male photographer shoved me and thetripod I was holding out of the way to get his shot, I realised the profession was a little hostile to women doing what was termed a "mans job", even other women didn't understand why I had to do the "dirty" work in broadcasting but I enjoyed it and I went on.

As a producer I have had to work twice as hard to convince clients which can be individuals, agencies or Non-governmental organizations of my professional competence. As a result my perseverance, dedication and somedivine providence I had had the privileged of working with international organizations, producing documentaries, feature stories while mentoring young girls.

Society may not even be fully ready for women who choose to thrive in a male dominated profession, I realise that and this is what further pushes me to be the best period...(not best female editor,producer or cinematography) because competenceshouldn't be characterized by gender.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qgo5AkUrXKY&t=148s