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As an international student, I always felt I was within the group of minority students. Let’s face it, it was only natural for me to feel that way since I wasn’t a home student.

I felt the population of international students were underserved despite the unique challenges they face while trying to adapt to their new environments. Just my personal opinion and feelings though. I felt my status as an international student puts me at a disadvantage over other students who are accustomed to the learning environment.

However, drawing from my foreign status, I strongly believed that I had some unique set of experiences and insights about the educational setting that could improve my performance.

I am passionate about international students since I have firsthand knowledge with their challenges. Academic institutions are doing their best. However, I think that more support should be provided for international students.

What are some of the challenges you have faced or facing as an international students? How did you cope being an international student? Currently, how are you coping?

Mma story-teller is here again 🤣🤣🤣

On the tram this morning, with two suitcases. Barely managing to hold grip of them while standing as seats were fully occupied on the tram. We got to a stop, I noticed people were looking at me, I could also hear the tram operator(driver) saying something but I don’t understand German 🤷‍♀️A nice young boy walked up to me, he said oh! I think, it is your suitcases. Seems the operator is trying to release the tram elevator for people to get inside.

Really!!! I felt so bad but that was no fault of mine either. I don’t understand German language and no one gave me a clue. Anyway, I immediately moved my suitcases. He helped me in moving them too. I will tell a story of the Germans, not on this platform 🤣🤣

When the tram was on motion again, I said, thank you, I am really sorry but I don’t understand German. He responded, me either! So what are you doing here, he smiled and said, I am here on an Erasmus mobility program. I am Italian! I came from Italy for Erasmus plus. Wow!!! What a coincident. I am here on Erasmus mobility program too but as a lecturer. We got talking until we got to our final stop. He also happens to know one of my student from Italy.

Thank you Leonardo for your kind gesture. He gave consent to posting these pictures.

Practicing joy as a coping strategy reaffirms to me that I can get through difficult situations by recognising and surrounding myself with good things in life which majority are free.

Learn to be joyful!

That’s all you may just need!

For me, I accepted failure and rejection as part of life. May be because I have failed on many occasions, lost count of the number of rejections.

But through it all, I have come to realise that If people are successful at everything they do, it means they are living far inside their comfort zone.

Look, making mistakes and failing means you're challenging yourself, which is clearly a sign of strength and audacity.

Don't let the number of rejections or anyone convince you that your failures are proof that you are not strong enough/ fit to succeed in a particular area.

Rather, view failure as evidence that you are stretching yourself as far as you can.

Mma story-teller is here again 🤣🤣

You remember that hit track from Craig David- Am walking away, from the troubles in my life…. That song was recorded in 2000. Kai, I don dey old ooo!

Back to my storytelling!

Sometimes, people will think you are stupid walking away from a job, relationship, business deal etc.

It actually takes strength to step away from something that is not working out, particularly when you have devoted a lot of resources, effort and time to that task, that project or that person.

But walking away might indicate that you are willing to act in accordance with your true values even though you might face some ridicule.

The test of life is brutal and you will be tested but if you have the audacity to respond to the test of life with resilient, you will surely push through the most difficult obstacle.

But please note this, the bigger your audacity, the higher the risk and many journey of rejections and failures you will encounter. Therefore, be ready for the bumpy ride. If your mind is only fixed of how bumpy that ride will be, you might just get discouraged to hop into that car but people with audacity will also think beyond the bumpy ride. Their focus is on the destination and the end goal.

Friends, always aim and shoot for the stars!

If you cannot hit any star, you might just land on the moon. Either way, your final destination is way higher than those aiming for the mango tree.

Aim high!

It was such an engaging session last night. With lots of questions, comments and feedback.

Thank you to all the participants. Special thanks to Itoro Ekpo, PhD, MCMI, FHEA despite my short notice to her to help moderate the session. You did a brilliant job!

Thank you Charles Onyekaba CBAP®, AMBCS for inspiring the students with your story as a Business Analyst. Voke Adams Adamatie, you aren’t left out. You were the brain behind some of the logistics for this webinar. Promise Akwaowo, thank you for sharing your inspiring story and journey. Keep your head up, I see you doing greater things.

In the words of Charles, if I were to monetize my slides, I probably will make some good money 🤣🤣 but this was a free webinar to help prepare international students on the journey ahead and how they can position themselves in the UK. I was once an international student, I understand their struggles!

Itoro said, I wish I had such an opportunity when I was an international student. To be honest, I also wish, I had such an opportunity too, I probably wouldn’t have struggled as much as I did when I was a student.

Sometimes, we are just scared to push forward because of the stories of others.

Why not try to unfold your own myth this week.

Mma story teller is here again 🤣🤣

On the train, back to Glasgow. I decided to shut down my laptop. Just sit, relax and enjoy my trip back home. Took out my phone to go through IG. Saw a video from our admirable nollywood actress, Kate Henshaw on the habit of being late and I decided to write a little on what she said.

I agree with her that the habit of lateness is very common with the Gen Z. Sadly, it is not only the Gen Z that exhibit this horrible habit. It seems this habit has eaten deeply into our culture/cultural values. Nah why you go hear the word “African Time”. Some people just pride themselves on being late.

This habit is irritating and it can be a source of great annoyance to people who value their time. It is plain rude!
This tardiness can be explained by a number of factors, including specific personality traits and a lack of time management skills.

Not only does consistent tardiness insult others, but it can also bely a lack of certain valuable virtues. It shows a lack of intelligence, a lack of time management skills, and a slippery grasp on a person priorities. It can also betray a lack of will power and empathy.

We all need to do better with our time management skills. Respect yourself and respect people’s time. Remember time is money!

E b like, nah this one I go study ooooo!

The quest for knowledge is just starting for me 🤔

Abeg my people, wetin una think? Make I enrol?

So many things we need to be intentional about. Amongst the most important ones, is REST!

Be very intentional about taking some time to rest, your body needs it.

Don’t feel guilty about taking some rest, your body deserves it.