A Tale of 3 women who against all odds broke barriers, Dr. Yvonne, Miss Ara, and Mrs. Ayanfe, didn’t let their past and background define them; read this article to see their stories, how they flew even when it seemed as though their wings had been cut.
Thinking about values and what should be your top value? Choose family. Read this article to know why. A family is a group of people related by blood, marriage, or adoption. The Cambridge Dictionary defines values as the beliefs people have, especially about what is right and wrong and what is most important in life, that control their behaviour. Examples of values include growth, empathy, discipline, family, compassion, honesty, humility, and courage. I hold family as my top value, and I believe everyone should too. Family is the first and primary institution in society, and it plays a crucial role in child care and development. Your family is your first school, and when a child is born, the family becomes solely responsible for their development, welfare, and overall well-being. The family unit teaches children basic knowledge, respect, honesty, humility, and essential life skills. As children grow, these lessons shape their social, cultural, political, and religious views. When children from different families interact, their differing perspectives often lead to disagreements. However, these disagreements stem from the values instilled by their families. Brown is a high school girl who believes she can break barriers and, against all odds, become a great force in aerospace. June, a five-year-old, believes he’s going to be a doctor someday. Lin doesn’t eat meat because her mom said they’re vegetarians. Zuri, a four-year-old, almost went out with her hair out, but her elder sister told her girls in Islam should always cover their hair. Tahley cried because he wanted to meet Santa Claus, and his dad said, “Wait till it’s Christmas.” Nobody is an island; everyone needs family and the love that binds them. Your family is the first to love you, and this love stays, even till the end of time. While there may be conflicts, it is pertinent to know that as long as humans are on earth, there will always be conflicts, and they can always be managed and curbed. Tobi and Julie, siblings who argue frequently, remain best friends for life. If you’re unsure about prioritizing family, ask yourself: Who supported you in difficult times? Who reassured and cared for you? Who made sacrifices and stayed by your side? Who said those prayers and stayed with you all night? Mr. Levi, a 66-year-old in the hospital, looks at his wife with so much love as she cleans him up with care and gentleness. Shayla cries as her lover just dumped her, and she finds solace and comfort in her big brother’s arms. Katherine is campaigning, as she wants to be the first black woman to win the election. The love of family is profound. It’s deeper than the Pacific Ocean, knowing you for who you are and standing by you through thick and thin. Come rain, come sunshine. When others turn away, your family remains. They bring joy in bleak times, make you laugh when you see no reason to, provide a sense of security, and take risks for you. They teach with love, and no one wants the best for you more than your family. Brown is now an aerospace engineer; her family believed in her and gave her all the support she needed. Just like Ben Carson, June is now a neurosurgeon; he wasn’t good in sciences, but his big brother didn’t give up on him. Lin doesn’t need to be reminded to say no when given meat. Zuri knows she must not expose her hair in public; she has never done that. “Christmas is my best season,” Tahley said, as he does his Christmas decor in his apartment in a Santa Claus costume. Mrs. Levi has tears of joy rolling down her cheeks as Mr. Levi rings the bell; he beats cancer and will be discharged from the hospital in a few days. Shayla has now found true love and is married to the best man ever. Katherine won her election against all odds; her family was her backbone. I can go on and on, but the lesson here is that all these achievements were made possible because they all had families with them and by their side. Even as you reflect, this is all you need to hold family as your top value today. ALSO READ: When Family Becomes the Most Important Destination
In a world constantly evolving at an unprecedented pace, curiosity emerges more than a trait but as a crucial survival skill. The adage “Fortune favours the brave” is widely recognized, but as we navigate the complexities of the 21st century, it’s becoming increasingly apparent that fortune also favours the curious. The curious are the explorers of our time, those who seek to understand the why behind the “what” and, in so doing, unlock doors to opportunities, innovation, and growth. Curiosity: The Catalyst for Innovation across Domains History is replete with examples of curious minds whose inquiries and explorations have led to ground-breaking discoveries and innovations. From the apple falling on Newton’s head, sparking the theory of gravity, to the development of the internet, curiosity has been the driving force behind human progress. In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, curiosity empowers individuals and organizations to explore new horizons, challenge the status quo, and innovate beyond the confines of current thinking. Curiosity in the Digital Age The digital age has transformed how we learn, work, and connect. With information readily available at our fingertips, the curious mind thrives, constantly seeking new knowledge, skills, and experiences. Social media, a cornerstone of the digital age, serves as a double-edged sword in this pursuit. While it provides endless avenues for exploration and learning, it also demands discernment to navigate the sea of information, distinguishing between what is useful and what is not. Curiosity in Creative Arts The creative arts thrive on curiosity. Artists, writers, musicians, and performers all begin with a “what if” that propels them into the realm of creation. Curiosity prompts a painter to experiment with new techniques or mediums, leading to the birth of a masterpiece. In literature, curiosity drives writers to explore the depths of the human condition, crafting stories that resonate across generations. Musicians who dare to blend genres or employ unconventional instruments often set new trends, enriching the tapestry of global culture. The creative arts, in essence, are a testament to the power of curiosity in pushing the boundaries of expression and understanding, reminding us that every great work of art began as a question. The Curious Mindset in Business and Entrepreneurship In business and entrepreneurship, curiosity is the foundation of competitive advantage. It drives leaders and entrepreneurs to question how they can improve processes, create value, and anticipate the needs of their customers. The curious are those who are not afraid to fail, for they understand that failure is often the precursor to innovation. They are the ones who ask “What if?” and “Why not?” and in doing so, they find new ways to solve old problems and create products and services that change the world. Curiosity in Education In education, fostering a culture of curiosity is paramount for developing critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a lifelong love for learning. Curious students are not content with rote memorization; they seek to understand the “why” behind facts, leading to deeper comprehension and the ability to apply knowledge in novel situations. Educators play a crucial role in nurturing this trait by encouraging questions, promoting exploratory learning, and creating an environment where not knowing is the first step to discovery. This approach makes learning more engaging and prepares students to navigate the complexities of the modern world with adaptability and an eager mind. Curiosity in Family Life Within the family context, curiosity acts as a bonding agent, encouraging open communication, empathy, and shared learning experiences. Curious families often engage in activities that expand their collective knowledge and understanding, from travel to playing intellectually stimulating games or simply exploring the wonders of their local community. Parents who model curiosity to their children, showing interest in their thoughts, feelings, and activities, lay the groundwork for open, trusting relationships. Moreover, by encouraging children to ask questions and explore their interests, parents foster an environment where learning is not just an educational requirement but a joyous, lifelong pursuit. Nurturing Curiosity So, how does one cultivate this invaluable trait? It begins with fostering a mindset of lifelong learning, being open to new experiences, and not fearing the unknown. It involves asking questions, seeking challenges, and stepping outside one’s comfort zone. In the realm of social media, it means leveraging these platforms not just for entertainment but for education and constructive engagement. Follow thought leaders, join forums and discussions, and share your discoveries and insights. Keep in mind that being curious isn’t merely an individual characteristic; it’s a collective voyage towards enhanced comprehension and creativity. ALSO READ: How to Overcome Low Self-Esteem Conclusion In conclusion, the old saying “Fortune favours the brave” remains true, but in the tapestry of the modern world, the brave are often those who dare to be curious. They are the pioneers of innovation, the seekers of knowledge, and the drivers of progress. As we forge ahead into the unknown frontiers of the future, let us embrace curiosity not just as a trait but as a principle for life. Ultimately, those driven by curiosity will mould the future, uncovering wealth not merely for personal gain but for the greater good of humanity.
Failure is not the end of the road but the beginning of success. Whether in business, parenting, relationships, or career, everybody sometimes experiences failure. Most people who are successful today have experienced failure, sometimes several times, and still succeeded. It is a stepping stone to achieving success. “Do not be embarrassed by your failures, learn from them and start again.”- Richard Branson Though failure can be disheartening, we must not give up because it is part of life. We learn from our mistakes and setbacks. Once we know not to dwell on this, our lives will change dramatically, and we will realize that it is a stepping stone to success. We should understand that a person’s destination doesn’t define him; what matters is how long it takes him to reach the goal. Failure provides us with an opportunity to learn and grow. It teaches us to be positive even when things seems tough. When you experience a setback, always believe that you will bounce back. It doesn’t mean the end of the road. Always accept it anytime it keeps knocking, knowing it is a way to your success and moving your life forward to greatness. When you experience failure, it is an opportunity to build emotional resilience. It is a learning experience; instead of seeing it as a painful time, I see it as a step toward success. We will examine a few ways to overcome failure positively. 5 Ways to Work Through Failure In A Positive Way 1. Maintain a Growth Mindset. Focusing on a growth mindset means seeing failure as a stepping stone rather than a roadblock. Failure should always be viewed as an opportunity to learn, adapt to circumstances, and learn from mistakes. Having a growth mindset will prompt us to reevaluate our strategies, identify our weaknesses, and gain insight to help us make better decisions in life. 2. Embrace Failure When we embrace failure, it will propel us to think positively about failure. To do that, we should admit our mistakes, learn from other people’s mistakes, and study how others experience loss in their path to success. We must also celebrate failure as part of the learning and growth process. We must also understand that it is an opportunity to develop strength and determination to overcome challenges we may encounter in the future. 3. Cultivating Resilience Resilience is the greatest lesson failure has on humans. It allows us to see it as a stepping stone, not a roadblock that thwarts our advancements. When we experience setbacks, difficulties, or obstacles, failure helps us develop the strength to bounce back; no matter what we face, this will lead us to make better decisions in life. To conquer it, we must be willing to examine our actions and use the knowledge to move ahead with determination. We must build resilience and accept it as a possibility for personal growth instead of downfall. 4. Learn from Failure We must learn from it as it is a stepping stone to recognizing our hurdles and assists us in understanding the areas in which we need improvement. Knowing that will compel us to gain insight that can shape our future. We should also learn from those who experienced failure on the path to achieving success. It will also encourage us to stand firm amid collapse. 5. Building Character Failure should be seen as an opportunity to shape our character, establish strength, and be persistent, enabling us to succeed. Through failure, we understand who we are and how we react to situations around us. It influences us to contend with our flaws, establishing stability and determination to build our character. Failure exposes us to life lessons: humility and tolerance, and we need to be determined and face reality in life. Final Thought Without failure, there should be no success. We must not give up. We learn from our mistakes, and when we correct those mistakes, we are getting one step closer to our success. We must keep striving until we achieve success in life. We should not avoid failure or be afraid of it. We need to embrace it as a segment on the way to success. Changing our view and accepting failure as an opportunity for expansion will help us attain our full potential to work toward personal and career success. Nevertheless, let us celebrate and embrace failure as a stepping stone to our success. “Remember, failure is not the end of the road, but the beginning of success.”
In our society, education is experiencing a noticeable decline in quality and without proper diagnosis and appropriate remedies, it becomes vulnerable to further deterioration. It’s disheartening that students are no longer driven by scholarly pursuits; instead, they exhibit indifference toward learning. Some youths have come to conclude that education is a scam when it fails to meet their expectation of employment. Also, our instructional system is influenced by various factors causing its decline, some overt and others more insidious, gradually eroding its quality. Diagnosing these issues is crucial to prevent quality education from becoming a relic of the past. Nevertheless, its worth remains constant. The Value of Education Beyond certificates for job acquisition, the following are roles education has played in the lives of learners: Transformative Power: Learning surpasses academic excellence; it stands as a cornerstone for holistic individual development, encompassing physical, mental, and emotional growth. It profoundly shapes temperament, and character, and defines an individual’s personality. Identity Formation and Social Interaction: Learning goes beyond tests and exams; it shapes one’s identity, fostering social interactions, and nurturing a healthy lifestyle. It lays the groundwork for recognizing personal strengths and weaknesses, essential for competency development Behavior and Character Formation: Often overlooked in schools, teachings on behavior and character, especially in subjects like civic education, play a pivotal role. Topics like cultism, drug abuse, good citizenship, and Human Rights actively mold ethical decisions and behaviors. Inculcating Moral Values: There are textbooks and literature texts that significantly influence children’s embrace of virtuous living, resistance to negative influences, and navigation of peer pressure. They contribute immensely to shaping ethical behavior, often undervalued compared to parental influence. Joseph Addison astutely characterized it as an unwavering companion, resilient against adversity, fostering personal and societal enhancement. Its intrinsic value exceeds academic s success. Sadly, societal misconceptions have limited education’s worth to job security and rapid wealth accumulation, undermining its vital role in personal advancement and self-development. It is crucial to recognize education is not a scam but a transformative journey shaping minds, empowering lives, and building the foundation for a thriving tomorrow.