The former President of Sheffield Hallam University Students Union, Jeremiah Abiola Fasipe explained the role of courage in achieving one’s goals in life.
He disclosed that the decision to write the story of his life and time as the student union President in a book is to make everyone know that anyone can achieve life’s biggest achievement if they have the courage to pursue them no matter their circumstances.
Fasipe, a graduate of French language from the University of Lagos, recalled how everyone couldn’t believe him when he told them about his dreams.
He said: “I was in my final year when I lost my Mom. I went to my lecturer’s office to submit my assignment, he then asked what was my plans after university. I told him I would like to pursue a masters degree in the UK and then he started laughing.
“Even though my son got a scholarship, I knew how much it costs not only you that have no one.” He said and then I smiled, I put my assignment on his desk and I left his office.
“After our graduation, I gained admission the following year in 2019 but I was unable to travel until after 2 years due to the issues I had with my international passport. The two years was filled with great troubles and ambitious challenges just to retrieve my passport.
“The passion for my dreams gives me the strength not to relinquish upon my dreams. When I arrived into the UK, I faced tougher challenges due to my inability to pay my tuition, understand the mode of teaching and doing my assessments
“The challenges I faced had negative impact on my studies. My modules for Public relations were 8, which includes Crisis communication. I ended up failing 7 modules and they were all capped by 50. Which means I would end up at 50 For you to fail, you must have had another attempt, two attempts were failed which makes it a total of 14 attempts.
“When I initially got the admission my tuition fees was £12,460 but because I failed most of the modules I ended up paying £18,485 before I graduate. I got so frustrated and tired of everything, it was as if the all world was against me and I was so depressed but instead of giving up I took up strength and decided to turn my situation around.
“I spoke to my friend about my situation and he encouraged and reminded me about how far I have come. He made me realised how strong I am. I slept off after we spoke and I woke up feeling so alive. I usually stayed all night trying to do my assessments but to no avail but this time, it was as if a new me was rebirth.
“Even though the deadline was 3pm the next day, I researched as if my life depended on it. I was able to submit at about 2:55pm and I didn’t even put it on turnintin to check plagiarism but lo and behold after some weeks, I was informed that I passed the module. That was my first time I passed my assessment.
“My joy overflowed and my confidence began to grow. At this time, I started to understand everything I read, though it was still tough but it was better.
“Failure shaped my personality and gave me experience so I have what it takes to mentor, motivate and guide others who maybe going through what I went through. After a while I started taking up strong responsibilities. I became so passionate about being a leader and solving problems. I started with being a course representative.
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“My duties were to express other students thoughts and opinions and collaborate with the university to significantly influence the educational process, representing students voice through range of method, such as in-person and online forums. We collect feedback from students enrolled on their courses to mention but a few.
“I really wanted to make great impacts at the national level so I contested to become a National Union of Students conference delegate. Our duties include coming together to grasp at the root of the big issues facing students, actively shaping and leading campaigns. Every year, NUS delegates run a series of events across the UK to bring together students and build focused, high-impact campaigns that can win. voting on policy, voting in elections, and voting on reports.
“Delegates discuss and vote on motions that will become the policy of NUS when passed. The policy will inform NUS about what you, its student members, think about key issues. This policy will be interpreted and enacted by the National Executive Council members.
“Even though it was highly competitive, there were contestants from different nationals. I was bold enough to offer my candidacy. I was so strategic using the public relations skills I learned in class and at the end I won.
“I wasn’t satisfied with my level student representative ambition so I worked more harder to vie for the post of the student union President. It was even tougher because at the time I couldn’t pay my tuition again and the deadline was so close to the campaign period. I have already gone far with the preparation but after profound thoughts, I decided to withdrew my candidacy.
“The never give up spirit in me made me to apply again the following year. There were 8 people contesting for the post of the President and I have already built a strong relationship with students using more of my language learning skills
“Everyone had a high hope of winning and they all put in their all. Posting fliers, talking to students day and night, missing classes etc.
It was so cold, I wasn’t feeling fine and I had no money to do more. I didn’t campaign much the first day but it was as if I had already lost. I was so unhappy at night but I had no choice than to reenergised as it was my only hope of making impact and become more resourceful.
“I woke up the following day with a new mindset and a new approach. I told myself that I would never give up so I work even harder. Two candidates were disqualified. When the campaign was over, the results party was postponed due to the weather.
“When it was the day of the result party I was announced the winner. It was a joyous moment for me and those that have voted for me. I have finally been in a position where I could make great impact, having a wide range of responsibilities and opportunity to develop valuable skills.”