"How do you empower someone that’s still schooling?" That question was asked by one of my protégés in an online conversation. Let me call his name Demmy, a student of K Polytechnic (institution name witheld). He is one of the distinguished few who thought it wise to make a better sense of education in contrast to the myopic crave for certificate. The depth of thought in that question is outstanding. Demmy apparently desires certification rather than just a certificate. Following is an excerpt of our conversation…

Demmy: Hi, How do you empower someone that’s still schooling?

Me: Empowerment actually starts from schools. Look within and see!

Demmy: Can you please just explain; how and where can one start from?

Me: Every subject you offer in school has the potential to become an enterprise. If you inculcate the orientation that education is the process of awakening the giant in you and not just about pouring knowledge into a Container to be discharged in the outside world, you’ll be able to think in terms of product or service with your brand on it. By this, you’ll come out of school with a great momentum, ready to contribute value to benefit mankind. You’ll come out of school with your brand in blue print together with skills to attract partners and investors.

Demmy: So, please how can you help me? I’m a student of K-poly ND1 and I’m studying marketing. I just need something in order to assist my parent, how can you help me please?

Me: Great! You’re a marketer in process. If you look around you, there are products and services which students cannot do without obtaining and readily pay for. Start with whatever you have, traverse classes from yours to others and sell a (product or service).

Demmy: Wow! That’s an idea. But there’s no much time – I have to attend classes, go for tutorials and also read.

Me: It’s amazing you’ve mentioned the things you do with your time which makes it look like you don’t even have any minute to talk to someone about any other thing apart from curricular activities. But if truth must be unveiled, it’s not that bad! There is at least one hour out of your daily 24 hour when you refresh, eat, do home chores, and chat with friends. So, you’ll have time if you plan to. Turn your play time to business time. Turn play or passion to work. Turn fun to business…and what have you. It’s about priority, planning, focus and commitment.

Demmy: Wow! thanks so much, I really appreciate that. I will start that as soon as I resume next semester. Thanks so much Sir.

Me: It’s a pleasure. The time to start is now. How? Generate ideas, screen opportunities, analyse your advantages, make plans, ask questions. Those time you use on interesting stuffs, convert them to generate momentum for your intro brand. So that, at resumption, you won’t be able to hold back the fire of passion urging you to take action. God bless you!

Demmy: Amen and you too. Thanks once again.

Interesting, Isn’t it? That’s just one of the numerous iconic protégés who have been fired up to bring out the giants in them. No excuse is big enough to withstand the fire of enthusiasm. No mountain is big enough to eclipse the vision of a willing heart. Dear protégé, in the face of adversity you can grow wings and soar at the heights too high for limitations. Believe you can; take consistent actions; go ahead!

I will see you at the top.
#dearProtégé.

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