I always knew I was not the best at mathematics or any subject that involved the use of numbers and even worse, the combination of numbers and letters together—My worst nightmare. Classes like that always left me feeling slow and really confused. I came to accept my faith at a very young age, I would find comfort in thinking to myself “numbers come easily to some and others are good at English and or literature”. That was my defense, never mind that English and literature had its own complexities that I struggled with but it was definitely the lesser of two evils.
When I made the decision to enroll in the Lagos Business School, one thing was for certain- I would be confronted with one of my biggest fears- numbers- and this immediately sent me into my usual sink or swim mode. The biggest question I am left pondering on is how I have been able to survive up till this point without having a full grasp of manipulating numbers.
Since graduating university, I did not think I would have to deal with numbers anymore. In fact, not having to deal with numbers was a big factor that influence my choice to study courses in the social sciences. Law was my first choice and international relations was my second choice never mind that I had no idea what people with degrees in international relations did for work at the time. After graduating secondary school, I went on the study international relations as planned and my life was perfect and nothing could stop this amazing plan that had be set into motion, or so I thought, until I reached my third year in the university and found out we had to take a course in social statistics. My world started to crumble.
I ended up being one of the top students in social statistics and was I thrilled. It didn’t come without effort I must confess, my crippling fear of numbers certainly reared its ugly head but I put in a lot of work and I had supportive course mates to help me along the way.
After social statistics was done, I was convinced that I had passed life’s final test with numbers and I was moving on to a good job with an international organization or the foreign affairs commission where I would focus on policies, research and foreign languages. That dream was cut short as the socio-economic setup of Nigeria quickly shattered my rose-coloured glasses. I currently work in a real estate development company today and while I may not directly have to deal with numbers, every now and then, I am confronted with things like rental returns, projections, and reports. My harsh reality is that there is no hiding place. So here we are; Lagos Business School.
My first few classes with numbers left me feeling like I was drowning and the added strain brought on by the just concluded intensive week made me question if Business School was for people like me. Working on probabilities and financial statements was confusing at the start but lately, I feel something changing. There is shift occurring, I am not as scared of numbers and I am staring to look forward to the person I will be when my time here is concluded.
For the first time in a Nigerian institution, it feels like the system is setup for students to succeed. There is a supportive community at the Lagos Business School that encourages you to do things in groups and the faculties here are very patient and intentional about ensuring that knowledge is impacted. All these things together Is creating a paradigm shift and a better attitude towards approaching numbers. I am no longer sinking, I am afloat and cannot wait to start swimming.
Epe The Jungle Is Becoming A Mega City Right Before Our Eyes.