Few days ago, while in a class, a lecturer of mine mentioned this phrase. While I’ve heard it for quite a number of times, it sounded different this time. I’m yet to pinpoint the reason why that phrase has stuck with me for the past few day, and that’s why I am writing on it now. Perhaps by doing this, I’ll figure out the reason and finally be able to get my mind off it.
image made with canva
And of course, you’ve also heard of it numerous times, but I’d love if you can go through this post with an open mind. Perhaps you too might have an epiphany (or whatever it is I had) while going through it.
The first physical class I’d be having since a very long time, and to an extent, I was quite a bit nervous before the class started for two reasons, the first one was because I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to transition back into seeing physical classes as a normal thing after being used to the online version of things, and the other being that the course was engineering mathematics – a general engineering course dreaded by students in the college of engineering.
It didn’t take before I started to feel at ease in the class as the man taking the course took his time to explain things in details. Maybe engineering mathematics isn’t so hard after all. 😉😂
It was after the class had ended that he decided to give us practical tips by which we could achieve success in the course. One of those tips – “DON’T BE AN ISLAND”
He stressed on the fact that nobody knows all, not even distinguished professors, so it is impossible for us to know every aspect of the course in detail. But the fact that one doesn’t understand a particular aspect of the course doesn’t mean another wouldn’t, and that is why we have to form a sort of support group where we can all, overtime, develop a symbiotic relationship where we help each other grow and cover our lapses.
One other thing of note that he mentioned was that when forming that kind of group, it is best not to make it a group of like minds(people of the same academic intelligence). We should strive for diversity. I found it quite strange at first, but after thinking about It for a while, I came to realize that he might actually be correct. Forming a group of A-listers does not necessarily mean that knowledge would be shared amongst them as there might be competition and creating a group of “non A-listers” isn’t any better, in fact, that is actually worse. So diversity is very important when seeking out to form a support group. That way, real impact can be made.
Even the reds will tell you to “Never walk alone” – an affirmation of the fact that the concept of companionship transcends just academics, it is very much universal.
I’ll wrap it up with another popular phrase which goes thus; “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together”.
Cheers to immeasurable success in our endeavors.
Thanks for going through this post. Do have a nice day.
