Another Checkpoint, A Wholesome Migraine

Another day, another migraine.

Last time I was here, I had so much at my beck and call, and now I still have approximately one-third of it, some of which are dangling in my palm. Many major plans have changed and a lot of required quitting was introduced. 

I was never one to quit something I truly liked or believed in, nor was I one to be idle in a team. These actions were quite foreign to me but they began to become “my norm”.

At several points, I would just go off the grid just because… Other times, I had a good reason. 

A good example is this write-up which I have been talking to myself about for several weeks now, but here I am by 22:40 on the night before release typing the first few paragraphs.

Before writing this I skimmed through the last checkpoint post I had for these and was like, “Well, there's nothing much or impressive to write about now”. It made me feel like I added so much weight because if I felt bad for not being at my best then would I say it was worse now? So I thought. 

But then I went through several notes, sheets, and documents of my plans for the year and was like, “Most of these don't even apply anymore”. I canceled a lot and started restructuring or replanning. Something I had done a lot over the years. 

Like, I know where I want to be situated career-wise, and I have a wonderful pathway all mapped out. Then evolution comes and an update is required or the timeline is mended or “something just came up”. 

Going around in circles seemed just fine. At least at any point, I could break out.

So what was my year like, I thought…, Was there any breakthrough in my plans or were any major steps taken. Not as much as I planned but yeah most were just right.

Here are some:

The Never Ending Increase In My Deen And Relation With Family.

Learning more about one's religion, however small or big, can go a long way. From reading to watching related videos including lectures and debates. My mind feels freer by the day and calmer by the night. It's peace at its finest. I went ahead to revamp my TikTok page to an Islamic page, “Abdullah wal’Islam” meaning “A Servant of Allah and Islam” where I put out some content during Ramadan. Also, putting much more effort into familial relations has been a great deal to me. A functional and happy home, a happy life.

Improved My Communication Skills.

Although this may not seem big, it is of great deal to me. Talking out of my comfort zone is something I generally struggle with hence seeing that I can go through some conversations well is a good stepping stone.

Completion of the Google Project Management Specialisation.

Asides from the project management course opening my eyes to a lot, there is a great sense of fulfillment in completing this. The struggle, the uncertainty, and many more seeped in but I stood by my aspirations and walked to the finish line. Although I know this isn't where project management ends, this was the best way to step into the field of Project Management for me and I aced it.

Completed the SideHustle Internship 5.0 for Data Analysis and Microsoft Office Track.

Although I felt like I had a good amount of knowledge in Microsoft Office, I took this because I wanted a certificate in it. Even though the course was extremely chill, I still learned a lot. As for the data Analysis course, I started this because I saw the need to be equipped with its knowledge. It piqued my interest and I am looking forward to gradually learning more in the field.

Industrial visit to BUA Sugar Refinery.

It's usually every tech enthusiast's dream to at least see the practical applications of everyday lectures and teachings. This was not exactly far from that too. Touring the facility was quite enlightening as we were able to see some portions of the site and received a wonderful lecture on the operations of the facility alongside visual representation from the control room. However, the tour was quite restricted and was more like a simulation session in school than a practical tour of the industry. 

Interning at Cakasa Engineering Services Limited.

I believe this is the highlight of my year. Reflecting on my 7+ months journey at Cakasa brings so many beautiful emotions to me. I will always be grateful for the chance to work at such a wonderful company with a wonderful culture filled with wonderful people. I have been able to learn several softwares including AutoCAD, PDMS, and E3D to which I can boldly say I have reached an Intermediate Level. I have also been exposed to the operations of how some sections of Oil and Gas Works, some of its prospects, and many more. It has been highly enlightening and I look forward to more. Funny how it was even in its space I completed the Google Project Management Course and I received a lot of wonderful support from the Team. 

Pushed Through School.

I was kinda pushed to write this part because I truly don’t like it. I personally think one of the greatest hardships one can face is school. At times it just gets really dark for many which is saddening, hopefully, most pull through well. From back-to-back strike actions and personal delays in my timeline, sometimes they can be choking alongside others. Seeing my secondary schoolmates concluding NYSC gets the better part of me most times. As much as I am glad for them, I feel sad I am not amongst them. Other times, it is always assumed to be a student with excellent grades. Regardless I am grateful it all happened this way. I was able to complete my National Diploma in YCT during the delayed period which opened my eyes to several opportunities, one of which was SIWES at Cakasa. Another is being exposed to volunteering and seeing the benefits of watching others. On getting to Unilag, I fully took advantage of volunteering and the opportunities I could get to improve myself. Get hands-on experience and met a lot of wonderful people and personalities. Although I still struggle with school, I will strive to finish well. My side is just one out of everyone in this world, many have it worse, some around my position and some at the top but it is all fine.

Writing.

This has had a great deal of fluctuations just like school. Has had its high points and low points. I have learned a lot from it and will continue to learn a lot from it. I have found some of my weak points in it and work towards reviving them. However, I still remain a writer, open to writing gigs. I also expanded into script writing by taking the Script Writing Course by TAFTA. Even without taking the practicals, I was able to learn a great deal from it.

… and In Shaa Allah many more to come.

When I started writing this, my greatest fear was I didn't have anything to write about, now I have seen my rants, thoughts, and feelings. My fears have evolved adding a vast amount of discomfort and worries. However, I want the best and I will work towards it even if it means going out of my comfort zone and being extremely skeptical about it. 

So like I said last time, 

If you want to appreciate yourself, sit down and look through the several activities you have done so far. Check your progress, acknowledge and appreciate it. If you want, publicly do so on social media.

At every point or step in the way, it is like looking at a reflection of uncertainties, unsatisfactory remarks, and going through many major negative things. The positive however can never be far-fetched. They always come by no matter how small. They bring hope and happiness brightening up one's life.

I will really like to see how it all comes together in the end. 

Thanks for reading. Feedback, and comments are all welcome.