An Interview with the BGS of the Faculty of The Social Sciences, Miss Mofiyinfoluwa Shalom

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INTERVIEWER: Good evening, ma'am

Please, can you introduce yourself?

Miss Fiyinfoluwa: I am Falade Mofiyinfoluwa Shalom, I am a graduate of the Department of Psychology, University of Ibadan.

INTERVIEWER: Congratulations on your convocation, I love that introduction. Glad to have this interview with a graduate of the prestigious university. You were announced as the BGS for both the department and faculty, how did you feel about this?

Miss Fiyinfoluwa: Thanks for congratulating me. I felt fulfilled because it has been one of my prayers to make my parents proud and happy whenever they hear about me. This achievement is a manifestation of my prayers, as my parents were proud and happy for me. I was excited as well.

INTERVIEWER: Can you tell us the steps you take in achieving this goal?

Miss Fiyinfoluwa: 1. You should have God in your life because this is very important, only God can bring to pass all your desires according to His will.

2. Cultivate good habits. Your habits will keep you through this journey. Good habits such as reading and writing notes. Note writing is very important, ensure you have your notes. The part of writing notes was part of me right from 100lv. Have a note you can read for exams. Ensure you attend classes as well.

3. Speak positive things into your life, be careful of what you say. And know that your dreams are valid, know that you are able to achieve anything you want to achieve with God's help.

INTERVIEWER: Were you involved in any extracurricular activities

Miss Fiyinfoluwa: Yes. I was a member of the department Press from 100lv. I was the Fin Sec for the Faculty fellowship from 200 to 400 level. I was also a member of Asido, though I was not consistent. I was also a member of UI’SU mental health team to promote mental health. I was an active worker in my fellowship. I was a mentor and a tutor for psychology courses.

INTERVIEWER: Do you think you did anything that made you stand out in achieving your goal

Miss Fiyinfoluwa: I would say that I don't have all it takes to achieve my goals and that's why I would give all glory to God. But, I would just say that, know that you can do all things and your dreams are valid and can be achieved if you stay committed and dedicated. I had set goals to finish with a first class right from 100lv. The goal was to finish with a first class, the BGS came later. In order to achieve the goal, I know I can't be sleeping and waking up anytime I like. You can always rest, but not every time. There are days you have to stay awake to read because you have an exam, and there are times I did that. I had to let go of some enjoyment, you have to understand that you have to sacrifice. Sacrifices are necessary to achieve your goals. I sacrificed some of the things I love to do; of course, you will get back to those things later.

INTERVIEWER: Miss Fiyin, some people put this effort into academics and all, yet the results speak otherwise or are not up to expectations. What can you say about this?

Miss Fiyinfoluwa: Yes, I really understand and that’s why I won’t downplay anyone’s effort. I won’t say I did better than anyone or that they didn’t do certain things. In fact some people might have done better than I did better than I did and put in more effort. That’s why I will always emphasise God’s factor because life is spiritual. It takes a spiritual man to push a breakthrough into manifestation, to push your results and desires into manifestation. God is still the important factor when achieving your goals, he knows all things, how to come in and how to help you. Some people might prepare well for exams, and the results didn’t come out as planned, while others might not prepare well and have a good result. Just be prayerful as a student, know God and trust Him.

INTERVIEWER: Did you face any challenges at all, and how did you handle them when they showed up? Did you have any challenges with any course or with any lecturer?

Miss Fiyinfoluwa: I encountered challenges; I would say they were not only school-related but also external factors. I had a challenge in 200lv, but thank God for His word that kept me through that season. Also, I had a place of prayer where I could express myself to God. Challenges from school as well that could be discouraging, electricity issues, water issues, when you expect things to be in place but they are not. Though there are obstacles but they shouldn’t be stronger than your reasons for success. That’s why you should have strong reasons for success because an absence of one can displace you. My strong reason was to make my parents proud. I wanted to make Jesus proud, an example for my siblings to follow.

I also have challenges with courses. I am not good at statistics and mathematics and it’s a prerequisite for psychology students right from 100lv. For the statistics course: I had an A in 100lv, a B in 200lv, and an A in 300lv. I also thank God for my lecturers, as they were willing to listen to my complaints.

INTERVIEWER: What do you have to say to students who have tried their best and are planning to give up because their goals no longer seem feasible?

Miss Fiyinfoluwa: I would start by saying Don’t give up, it shouldn’t be part of your option. The thought will come, but don’t give in to it; your dreams and goals are still valid. Keep putting in the best, there’s a saying, “if you aim for the sun and you don’t land on the sun, you will land on the moon.” And the moon is close to the sun and it’s still high. Don’t drive away your dreams because you don’t see them happening, just keep doing your best so you can confidently say you did your best. And there’s nothing God can not do, and things happen for you to learn and apply. This phase might be small compared to where you are going, and lessons learned now will help you in future. This is a period to introspect and not to give up.

INTERVIEWER: What do you have to say to Fatsssaites?

Miss Fiyinfoluwa: You guys are great and amazing people. I am proud to be an alumnus and part of the faculty of the Social Sciences. You all are going places, just keep putting in your best. Keep working hard, stay dedicated, stay committed, and all your goals will be accomplished. I love you all.

INTERVIEWER: These are insightful

What are your future plans for academics

Miss Fiyinfoluwa: I planned to specialise in educational psychology. Psychology has different branches, but I plan to specialise in educational psychology.