It’s never too early… It’s never too late

During one of my numerous freshers’ orientation events, I asked myself, “what is in it for me” if I am to become a student member of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA)?

Why is it even important? My curious mind was racing back and forth as I asked myself these questions. Suddenly, the timeless quote by the much loved John F. Kennedy jumped up to my mind – “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” So, in this case, “Ask not what NIA can do for you, ask what you can do for NIA.” That response gave me a paradigm shift to think differently and caused me to look inwards; because of this new frame of mind my focus was now on how I could best contribute my quota and add value. I volunteered to assist the public relations officer of the departmental students association. This role gave me useful insights into some crude realities of life and paved a platform for me to do more.