Ebiomofari Omowumi Janet, a graduate of Agriculture Department at University Of Ilorin, UNILORIN has become a beacon of resilience, demonstrating that determination can alter the course of one’s life.
In an interview with Legit.ng, she shared her remarkable academic journey, which began with a daunting 1.3 CGPA a figure that could easily discourage most students.
Yet for Janet, this was merely the beginning of a transformative narrative. As the eldest child and the sole daughter in her family, she faced the weight of significant expectations, but instead of succumbing to the pressure, she harnessed it to fuel her ambition and drive.
She often reflects on her father’s wise words which she stated: “My dad always reminds me of this saying: ‘The path you create is the one your brothers will follow,”
During her freshman year at university, Janet
encountered what she referred to as a harsh setback.
In the interview, she opened up about the steps she took to overcome this challenging experience.
Reflecting on that tumultuous time, Janet revealed how she transformed her initial struggles into a powerful learning opportunity.
“I made a commitment after that to achieve academic excellence through: Setting smart and clear goals and creating a study plan. This was one of my mistakes in 100 level-I didn’t have goals or a plan to achieve anything.
Basically, I just wanted to go to school without any drive to pursue academic excellence. After a huge turnaround in my 200 level when I earned a 4.50 GPA in my first semester, I told myself I could still come out with a first-class degree.
A growth mindset ignited, and I realized that achieving academic excellence was still possible.”
Janet adopted a comprehensive strategy that emphasized the importance of efficient time management, engaging in active learning, honing critical thinking skills, cultivating resilience, and committing to consistent self-reflection.
This multi-dimensional approach allowed her to navigate her challenges with a well-rounded perspective, ensuring she remained focused and adaptable in the face of adversity.
Throughout her journey, Janet was never truly alone, even when confronted with obstacles. She drew strength from her faith and the unwavering support of her community.
She recounted a specific experience that illustrated her methods for coping with difficulties and ultimately triumphing over them, showcasing the power of connection and belief in overcoming life’s hurdles.
She further stated; “Starting my 500-level session earlier this year, I was filled with fear of failure, especially since most of the courses involved calculations, which have always been my weakness.
Despite taking personal tutorials, I still struggled to understand the material. It felt like my “village people” were waiting for me to fail.
I turned to God, the Father of understanding, and poured out my concerns. I told Him, “We’ve come this far, only to fail?” But He didn’t respond.
“Each time fear crept in, I went back to Him, but He remained silent. I felt like giving up, thinking, “I’ll just write whatever I know for the tests and exams. I’m tired already.”
I was overwhelmed and weary. Weeks before the exams, I still couldn’t grasp the notes, but I continued attending classes and reading my books. One fateful day, during a prayer meeting in my fellowship, I cried throughout the program. I returned to my hostel, wept, slept, and woke up to talk to God again.
“This time, He responded with a word: 2 Thessalonians 3:16 “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.” Yes, this word boosted my energy, reminding me that I’m not alone. Instantly, I felt peace. We took the exams and came out excellently.”
Janet’s extraordinary accomplishments have certainly made waves across the academic community and beyond. Among the many honors she has received, a standout moment was the esteemed award presented to her by her student fellowship.
As she contemplates her inspiring journey, Janet takes the opportunity to share invaluable wisdom with those eager to tread a similar
path. In her reflective musings, she encourage guidance to aspiring scholars, urging them to pursue their unique
paths.
