By Ismail Shukroh Onikahun
They say that university is the gateway to adulthood, where young minds are shaped not only by the textbooks or any reading materials they read but by the experiences they gather. For many people, stepping onto the university campus is the first taste of independence, an exhilarating yet intimidating dive into unknown environment. However, what truly defines the university experience is not only what happens within the confines of lecture halls, it is the lessons learned by engaging in extracurricular activities within the campus.
I remember my first day on campus vividly, the buzz of excitement, and the overwhelming realization that more than ever, I am now solely responsible for my choices. I came to understand that university is not just about acquiring knowledge for a career but about learning life’s greatest lessons through its challenges and triumphs.
One of the most rewarding aspects of university life is the opportunity that students get to discover who they truly are. Away from the watchful eyes of family, you are free to explore your identity, your passions and your potentials.
Students engaging in extra-curricular activities like campus journalism, poetry or debate are mostly shape to overcome stage fright and embrace creativity. Extracurricular activity is not just about acting it is about finding one’s voice and building confidence.
You get to meet people from diverse backgrounds, each with unique stories and perspectives that could broaden students’ understanding of the world. Of course not all lessons come without hardship, university is also a place where peer pressure lurks around every corner, often disguised as harmless fun. Is left for students to choose wisely, know very well the kind of friends you will mingle with, because while freedom is empowering, it also comes with responsibilities.
Ultimately, the lessons learned beyond the lecture hall are the ones that stay with us the longest, from discovering the passions to overcoming challenges and obstacles, university is a place where we learn to navigate the complexities of life.
It is not just about earning a degree but about the person you become along the way.
While most students often say their primary assignment on campus is just to earn a degree, however, it is not good enough when you pass through university and they could not find any trace that university passes through you.
Remember you will have to present yourself countless times before you will even present your certificate once.