Speaking of an inspiring act of kindness, I definitely have a lot to say about this but lets keep it simple. During my pursuit of Higher national diploma in mass communication at Moshood Abiola polytechnic, as a student I was the kind of person with vast knowledge in research methodology. I commercialised on this skill and advertised my skill on WhatsApp platforms of different departments, I got good feedback especially from student in my department.
But despite my knowledge in this field, I lacked some tools needed in offering the service effectively. In those days, all I had was my laptop to carry out research and download online materials needed, mostly articles but it wasn't enough. I was in need of a printer but I had none. The reason was quite simple, it wasn't necessarily because I couldn't afford one, I just didn't have the plan of rendering the service for a long time, it was just meant to be a side hustle.
The more customers I got, the more I felt the need of a printing machine. I had a cafe I was making use of to print for my customers but eventually I realized, they earn more than I do, despite the fact that I was the one going through the difficult of the job of getting the research project done. Which means I spend more on printing compared to my other needs. This did not sit well with me, so I started looking for means to get one for temporary use.
There was this friend of mine in my department, he visited me and I was getting a research project work done, apparently he wanted me to assist him in editing one of his research project material, his laptop was faulty, which I helped him in getting it done. He also came along with a portable printer and asked me to connect to it and print his document. After I was done with it, I asked him where he got the machine from, he said it was his, that he uses for personal use.
Though the machine was a bit faulty, so I offered to fix it, if he could lend me, so I can use it for more business endeavours. He didn't even waste time before agreeing to it, he said it was just occupying space in his room and the fact that he doesn't make use of it that is why it got faulty. I guess I became the solution he needed and I was glad I finally have a printer at my disposal.
Having my own printer assisted me in reducing my service cost. So I changed a lot of things about how I get things done. I offered free consultation and they were also others who could not afford the whole amount I charge for the research project service I offer, I became more considerate of their financial status, I came up with discount and installment payment which varies depending on their personal budget. All this just to ease their financial burden.
As a result of this, I gained a lot of attention compared to others that also offer the same service because I was generous with helping others regardless of payment and I was extremely supportive in order to ensure every student successfully complete their project.
There was a particular guy that did not have enough to pay for my service, he was refered to me by a friend. What he had with him was barely enough to print his project proposal not talk of carrying out an entire project. I was a little reluctant to help him because I'm also trying to make a living but he kept pleading and from the looks of it, he was running out of time. The worst fate a student can suffer is to lack enough funds to complete their final year project, we all know it is automatic extra year.
Eventually, I was unable to ignore his plight, so I agreed to help, since every I needed was at my disposal. Well it wasn't easy using my own resources for free but I just couldn't let go of how cruel and selfish I will be, if I refused to help despite knowing the things I got for free.
This write-up was inspired by weekly featured content titled The good chain in hive learners community.
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