WHY I WAIT

He stood there akimbo

With a pale face and an opened mouth

She also looked heavily disturbed

After talking raspingly on the phone

They crossed their hands in a moody stare

As some waited patiently in the queue

Others thought wrongly to bypass others

Passengers feeling agitated and extremely bored

At the sight of long human train queues

But they take their turns to create peace

Everywhere there are queues

Everywhere others bypass wrongly

This triggers the instincts

What might be the course?

My attitude tells it all

You can be right or wrong

They feel reluctant issuing the tickets

They shout on the passengers

They whisper, a token for a better seat

Passengers become angrily angry

When the queue is not respected

Their irretrievable time spent unvalued

Their dignity dampened by their own men

Respect the queue

By PATRICK ADJEI NKETIA

24^TH December,2011

The author is a passionate poet with an outstanding poetry recital enthusiasm. Contact him to add a sparkling touch of poetry recital or a designed poem to your birthdays, get-togethers, and other events.

Email-poetinsmile@gmail.com

Add an icy poem front for a remarkable and a memorable event.

National Service Personnel Association (NSPA) President; Another Opportunity To Serve Ghana.

He was of a strong will and a passionate desire to serve and create positive change in every community he found himself. After leaving a positive mark within the community he graduated from his tertiary education (University of Cape Coast). He was of the conviction to embrace the new life like a china doll walking over a precipice after living like a prince in his father’s castle.

Upon completion from the university, every graduate from a public university in Ghana is to do a mandatory service for the development of the country. This will attract a monthly allowance of 200gh cedis (180 USD) and the service will be for eight months. When it’s completed the student is now warranted to employment in any outfit in the country.

Patrick was posted to a totally new environment ( Sefwi Wiawso, Western Region) which was not among his choices of the places he wanted to go and contribute his quota to the development of his nation, however, with his positive mental attitude and sense of courage, he tuned his mind to adapt the new situation and environment.

He believed for it was not by a chance that he was posted there but for a divine purpose. He enquired from some friends and workers in the National Service personnel office if there was a platform that required a listening ear to their grievances and ingenuity to solve some of the challenges they were facing as they stepped out of their comfort zones.

Patrick pictured it would be another opportunity to serve his fellow citizens and create a positive change in the community he had been posted. He planned gradually towards the day (1^st December, 2011) on which the personnels were to converge and elect their executives or leaders who were to champion their interests.

Patrick had prepared adequately towards this day. On the day before the elections, he had received a message on his phone by another personnel declaring his intention of also vying for the same position he was aspiring for. The thought that he was going unopposed for his position fleeted in a twinkle of an eye, as he read the message.

The work was not going be easy as he was to maneuver his way to win the hearts of the other personnels in order to succeed in the elections. On the said date, he dressed exquisitely in his tuxedo and was expressing gratitude for already winning the elections in his mind. He got to the venue on time as he had already planned and started introducing himself to other colleagues about his vision, what he was going to do, how he was going to implement his ideas and the benefits of these towards the members and the community.

Most of the members he spoke to saw him to be outstanding, for he exhibited wonderful interpersonal relations among them and he connoted a servant leader due to his thoughts and the way he responded to their questions when chatting.

Before the elections begun four contestants were contending for the position of the president and they were all poised to win the hearts of the electorates. Patrick had made copies of his manifesto, so he then distributed some to the electorates as they waited for the district coordinator to come and chair the meeting.

Everything was set to go as the coordinator entered the conference room with his security and the ballot papers in his hand. He sat down, introduced himself, made known the purpose of the meeting and allowed everyone to also introduce him or herself to the quorum. He zoomed into action by letting the aspirants for the presidency first stand up and tell the electorates why they were to vote for them.

These young leaders presented their intentions but it was evident that Patrick had gone the extra mile to ask about how other stakeholders can be utile in solving their problems, bringing some of the personnels on board to share their ideas and also bring their skills to bear, craving for opportunities that can help members harness their potentials and create a positive change in the community.

After the voting and the ballots were counted, Patrick emerged victorious. He shook hands with the other aspirants and it was a good gesture as they all commended him on that. He expressed his profound gratitude for mandating him to serve them and he was ever ready to do that whole heartedly and to advance their interests.

Another grand opportunity for Patrick, lets pray for him as we wait on his accomplishments and we say congratulations. Have a good one and let’s keep in touch.

My Poetry Career Unfolding.

She was a the conference director in charge of Junior Chamber International Ghana national convention, this convention was held annually to make account of what had transpired during every year and also to elect new leaders to steer the affairs of the organization in the next coming year.

We were having a chat and she mentioned that they had considered a poetry recital at the forth coming JCI Ghana national convention, however, the poet she had in mind had rejected the proposal due to his other equally important matters he had to attend.

She continued that, I should take it up. I said, “why not”. Then she told me she will have to discuss with her committee and she will give me the feedback.

I was elated by the hearing of the opportunity and started to imagine the atmosphere that day will be.

She later called me one hot afternoon to confirm that, the committee had agreed to let me handle that slot because they knew my capability of delivering. She continued that, I should prepare and present a draft for their scrutiny and perusal.

I didn’t hesitate to say ‘okay’ and that they should expect it as soon as possible.

Some days later, after an afternoon nap, I remembered about the task and it was what I loved to do.

I started to pen down any idea that came into mind and after tried to put together the ideas that represented the organization and the message I wanted to convey to my audience.

In few hours it was done and I recited it to myself to see the fluency and the choice of words.

I also showed it to some poets to evaluate and make known to me, if there were some lop holes in it. They all appreciated it and commended it was an excellent piece for that occasion.

Later, I sent a copy to the conference director so that she could present it to the committee to consider and see if they will approve it.

She gave me the feedback that, they liked it. Then it was left to me to deliver it exquisitely to the audience. So I started memorizing it morning and evening to prevent poor performance.

I researched to find some tips in reciting poetry and they were really utile.

On the 22^nd October, 2011 was the day and it was a Saturday. I was full enthusiasm to deliver because the poetry was in my heart and I believed by time I would finish, it would also be in the minds and hearts of my audience.

I was called after a cultural performance and I was in a bloom to make it count.

I started by introducing myself and how I was humbled by that august opportunity at such a wonderful gathering and I edge my audience to be receptive to my words. This was how it flowed;

YOU ARE THE WORLD

Our world is sick and in messiness

Our world is tattered and ragged

Our world is bedevilled by our actions

Actions that have augmented the myriad of problems

You are the world,

We live in it, we are the hope, we hold the future

We are the titans of solutions, we are of a purpose

You are to serve that purpose

You are to wear the cap of action

You are to claim the call of change

The call from JCI

You are the world,

You are the tread in the fabric of life

You are the beautifying green in the world

You are the fresh perfume scent in the wind

Your actions awake a dying soul and put a heartwarming smile on the face

You are the world,

Let’s defend humanity with our service

Lets become the bridge to a better world

The jewel of peace, the voice of change and the brotherhood of man

You are the life, the spirit and the icon of change in your community

The world, awaits on your smallest action for a greater impact.

You are the world

Thank you!

These were the humble words of my own to inspire my people to change the world and also say “You Are The World”.

The author is the Immediate Past President of Junior Chamber International-University of Cape Coast. (JCI-UCC) Local Org. A certified trainer, a creativeWriter, motivational speaker, poet, self motivated, God-fearing, social entrepreneur and a dynamic leader, who always communicate the idea of PEACE, the youth having a positive mental attitude and creating positive change in their communities. He believes, through our collective efforts we can make Africa (our

motherland) and the world a better place.

By Patrick Adjei Nketia,

Email-poetinsmile@gmail.com

MY QUEST TO SERVE MY COUNTRY; GHANA. Pt 1

On the 6^th October, 2011, I completed the regional registration which was under a less hectic condition. After this mile, I preconceived that, this enormous change I am embracing and its lasting experience will be a positive change unto my life.

I left Cape Coast in the Central Region around 6: 15am and got to Secondi, Tarkoradi in the Western Region just about few minutes to 9 o’clock am.

I located the regional office where all national service personnel’s who were posted to the western Region were to start with their national service registrations (a civic responsibility of a every university graduate to contribute his/her quota to the national development).

I got to the premises and enquired where specifically the registration process was undergoing, I was directed to the area and instantly I recognized a queue of students ready to follow the process.

I first went to a room where you have to be verified and checked according to the University you've completed, then you will move on to take a passport size picture on the veranda in front of the office.

In this room were three men in their mid thirties. One in an African print had his elbow on the record case where they kept their files, one with a bad english ascent was in a striped blue and was seated behind the desk and the other man who was in the national service printed attire was seated with his back turned to the door and had a laptop in front of him. He confirmed by checking the picture you used to register when you were about to complete school. Also there was a queue from outside into the room of which I made my place behind the last person.

Some of the personnel’s who did not have their school identity cards (ID) were directed to the man in African print to make their reason known and wait for his word either to go back to where they came from and bring the ID or by divine grace would permit them to continue with any other identification card they had at their disposal that very moment.

Another queue was for the taking of passport pictures after you had completed with the verification process. This man who was taking these pictures, was in a serious mood whilst he conducted his work and anyone who didn’t follow the due process wouldn't take it lightly at all.

He pushed the lady in front of me aside and made a harsh statement that, “if you are not ready, stand aside and put your stuff together before you join the queue”.

This made the gentleman who was in my school t-shirt but didn’t complete from the institution took caution and quickly enquired the due process this stern man was requiring.

After taking my picture, I descended down to continue with the registration process.

Downstairs, were also national service personnel’s who had being posted to that district to serve with that regional national service secretariat.

Some of these personnel’s were my colleagues and others were friends who pursed different courses in the same university. They were seated behind wooden desks and had the places where national service personnel’s had being posted to, typed and pasted in front of their desks.

I enquired and identified the desk I have to attend to. I walked majestically to the desk, already there were other personnel’s who were posted to the same district and other surrounding districts.

I finished with him and had to move to the regional director’s desk for him to append his signature to authenticate my reporting, verification and confirmation to embark on my national responsibly.

He was in a short sleeve shirt, wearing a spectacle on which it had a sticker on one glass of the frames, he was seated on a different chair and had a young woman assisting him by collecting the sheets from the personnel’s as she arranged and stamped them.

She handed them over to him after she was done and he then appended his signature and created a comic atmosphere with some hilarious questions he posed to the “honorable” as he used to call us.

It was declared to us that, he needed not to be asked any question about the process or the national service personnel’s serving their outfit had not done their work accurately.

There were also a number of people around his desk who were waiting patiently for him to finish signing theirs so that they could continue with the eating of the big elephant.

I collected my signed documents and expressed my gratitude for his service.

I then made some phone calls to a colleague who resided in Tarkoradi and lodged in his house for the night.

On the 7^th October, 2011 I woke up around 5:05am. On this bright morning, while I went to take my bath, I remembered the words of a mate who completed the same second cycle institution with me. He told me that, it will be very difficult for me in travelling to Sefwi Wiawso (The place I am posted to) unless I woke up early and get to the station on time.

When I finished bathing and entered the room, I noticed a missed call on my phone and returned the call as quickly as possible to know who was reaching me at that hour.

It was my mate again, who was prompting me to be smart in my preparation and get to the station in time in order to catch a bus.

I met this mate the day before during the registration process and we had a long chat about our past, the experiences we had acquired in the tertiary and what will make us fulfilled in the future.

After this call, my mind was triggered by the imagination of the long journey I was going to embark and my planned activities I will have to accomplish after finishing the registration in the district.

I quickly got all things together and I got ready to set off. As my friend decided to help me with bag, he heard some noise on the ceiling and went to take a peep from the window to know what specifically was meriting that noise.

After the peep, he took a slow head turn and made an eye contact with me because I was much eager to know what it was. I asked, “is it raining”? He answered by nodding his head.

I said, “aooow” and took a deep sigh. I sat on his bed and thought of when this act of nature was going to stop so I could continue this journey.

My friend gave me an assurance that, it will stop in no time.

The rain stopped in about 15 minutes and we zoomed out to get a taxi and in about 10 minutes we were at the yard starring at some parked buses.

I enquired from a man who was standing right beside a bus that, which one of the buses was going to Sefwi Wiawso? He immediately pointed to the bus he was standing beside and made a comment that, “he also had to go to that place and the bus was already filled with passengers and even other passengers on board were standing in it.

I told myself, I am not going lose my guard on this one. I have to get on this bus at all cost.

This man told me that, he had been trying to get on the bus but to no avail. He told me that the bus conductor was the one coming our direction.

The bus conductor was in a black shirt, a waist bag and there were some tickets in his hand.

I approached him and asked if he would sell a ticket to me? He told me point blank that he was not going to sell the ticket to me.

I then went back to my friend and as we stood there for some few seconds. We saw another official who came with another passenger. The official made a statement that; the passenger was of relation to one of the officials in a cubicle nearby, so a ticket was sold to the woman even though the bus was already full.

I saw there was a way, I went to the official and made a claim that, I was going to register for my NSS and I was required to do it only today.

The man who came with the lady told me that, he had no authority unless the bus conductor.

So I asked him that, “would there be another bus moving to Sefwi Wiawso?”

He answered that, this was the 3^rd bus moving and there would not be any other going there.

This answer sparked my adrenalin to do something to get on the bus.

Part 2 will be followed as soon possible, so please don't forget to follow this link.

Thank you...

PATRICK ADJEI NKETIA (JCI UCC President) SERVES 250 nets to a COMMUNITY in a project dubbed "JCI UCC FIGHTs AGAINST MALARIA"

After months of campaigning, JCI UCC raised an amount of 15,000 Ghana cedis for the purpose of the project (refer to Financial Report) with Ministry of Health being the main sponsor.

The programme started at 6:00am, on 25th September, 2010 at Amamoma Palace premises. Announcements made the previous day had drawn the community folks to start with a clean-up exercise.

The JCI UCC members teamed with the people of the community in ridding the community of mosquito breeding spots.

Activities such as weeding of bushes, sweeping and clearing of heaps of filth and rubbish, and draining of some stagnant waters were done. During this period another team was getting the durbar grounds set for the official opening of the event.

Some media partners such as TV Africa, ATL FM, Daily Guide newspaper, Daily Despatch were present to take coverage of the event. At about 8:40am, the programme officially started.

The Project Chairman, Prince Ampofo said the opening greetings after which the JCI UCC Chapter President, Patrick Adjei Nketia introduced the dignitaries present and acknowledged them on their supportive role in respect of the project.

He also thanked the over 300 people who were gathered at the durbar ground for their commitment and hard work in during the clean-up exercise.

Some dignitaries present were: Nana Tufohene (Nana Egyir IV) Chief of Amamoma Hon. William A. Mensah Senator- JCI Ghana Mr. Lawrence Bosiwah Patron of JCI UCC Chapter Hon. Anick Opoku-Preko National Vice President- JCI Ghana Hon. Abraham Quaye 2011 National President- JCI Ghana Hon. Patrick Mann Exec. Vice President- JCI Accra Elite Chapter ,the elders of Amamoma community were also present to grace the occasion.

Hon. Anick Opoku-Preko supported by Hon. William A. Mensah took the people through the causes and effects of malaria, and also how to avoid the malaria disease and the use of treated bed nets.

The participation of the town folks was evident as they asked questions and also effectively contributed to the talk. The benevolence of the Ministry of Health had made available two hundred and fifty bed nets for distribution to the town folks.

Preference was given to pregnant women, nursing mothers and children during the distribution. Some questionnaires were given out by the JCI UCC team to various individuals to find out their previous knowledge on the use of the treated bed nets in guarding against malaria.

Correlating the questionnaires revealed that about 90% of the sampled populace had never used a mosquito net before, though had heard about it and agreed to its efficiency.

It became evident that most of the people had no idea where to purchase a net and that the few users of the nets hardly changed or treated the nets over time. It therefore became clear that the education on malaria had gone a long way to help the people of Amamoma.

Provisions were made for all pregnant and nursing mothers to see two medical professionals who had been invited by JCI UCC. The medical professionals gave them medical advice on their health and lifestyle. By 11:05am, the programme came to a successful end with vote of thanks given by Patrick Adjei Nketia, 2010 local President.

He expressed his gratitude towards the Amamoma Chief and his people, the Ministry of Health, JCI members who had travelled all the way to grace the occasion, the media and all who had contributed towards the success of the event.

The chief, Nana Tufohene (Nana Egyir IV) together with his elders, in response, expressed their heartfelt felicitation for the kind gesture bestowed on them by JCI UCC and the Ministry of Health and promised to further intensify the campaign malaria in the Amamoma community. He further requested the support of government and donor organizations in the construction of a public library complex for the community. After a short photo session the programme folded up with a prayer by Daniel Kwame Morrison (PRO-JCI UCC). Everyone dispersed to their various residences.

PATRICK ADJEI NKETIA (JCI UCC President) Orchestrates A BLOOD DONATION PROJECT

Donating blood is a simple thing to do but it can make a big difference in the lives of others.

JCI UCC one of the leading organizations in the University Of Cape Coast in collaboration with the University Hospital embarks on a 4 day blood donation project dubbed, “Donate Blood To Save Lives”. The four day event was scheduled from the 28^th Sept. to 1st of October, 2011.

The event was proudly sponsored two Senators in JCI Ghana namely Sen. Mannan Waru and Sen. William A. Mensah and some corporate Institutions like Airtel, Coca cola, Eygapa Image and Mildrick Group.

Each JCI member believes that in order to create lasting positive change, we must improve ourselves and the world around us.

In view of this, young, self motivated and enthusiastic members of JCI UCC upon hearing an announcement from the University’s radio station (ATL fm) regarding the University Hospital running short of blood at the blood bank sort out to find a critical and strategic solution to help save lives.

Day 1 of the event begun at the Kwame Nkrumah Hall of the University of Cape Coast with four representatives from the Cape Coast hospital, members of JCI UCC and a member of JCI Accra Royale ensuring the success of the event.

The hospital personnel came along with blood donation materials as well as incentives to motivate prospective donors.

Turn out for the first day blood donation exercise was very encouraging with over forty individuals donating for the worthy cause.

Speaking with the senior blood donor coordinator, Mr. Martin Ampofo, he stated that a prospective donor must weigh not less than 50 kgs, must not engage him/herself in a risky lifestyle and must have a normal blood level. He added that, asthma, pregnancy, breastfeeding, menstruation, skin infections, alcoholism and hypertension are some of the hindrances of donating.

He also mentioned that an individual would benefit immensely when he/she donates so that they would know their blood group, receive free health check and receive a donor certificate which entitles him and his family to receive blood in time of need.

He added that an individual is required to donate a minimum of 450 ml of blood which is stored in a blood bank fridge with temperature of +2 to +8 degrees.

The serve life of blood takes 35 days before its discarded. However, Mr. Ampofo emphasized that they barely discard blood. Rather, when they do not need it they in turn give out to other hospitals for usage.

Seated at the Junior Common Room (JCR), I watched with interest as personnel from the hospital attended to individuals with much patience, beaming .with smiles.

It is advised that a prospective donor must take a lot of fluids prior to the donation. The personnel and volunteers first of all signed prospective donors in and went through basic eligibility checks and donation info with them.

Prospective donors were then weighed and their blood level checked. Once they are qualified, they were made to sit and their arm with stretched and alcohol will be used to wipe where the sterile needle will be inserted. At first you will feel a quick pinch but over a few seconds you feel okay. The actual donation of blood takes between 8-10 minutes per a donor.

After donation, donors were given donors certificates and incentives. They were again advised to continue drinking water throughout the day of their donation and desist from exerting themselves with heavy lifting or exercise for the rest of the day.

Due to the high patronage of hall residents than expected, personnel ran out of incentives and the exercise came to an on that first day.

That evening, the senior donor coordinator and President of the local organization, Patrick Adjei Nketia visited Adehye and Valco Halls respectively to sensitize hall residents before the donation the next day.

On the 29^th September, the hospital personnel’s were beefed up by their counterparts from another hospital in the district since they were to serve two different halls. They divided themselves into two teams and worked in the two halls whist they were assisted by JCI UCC members.

Prospective donors in various halls trooped into the JCRC upon hearing that the medical team was around.

JCI UCC did tremendously well as they directed prospective donors through the checks, packaged incentives and served donors after they have finished donating.

As Valco Hall was recording over 25 donors, 2 hours into the exercise, Adehye Hall, which is a female hall was recording less than 10 donors because of their menstruation many ladies did not qualify to donate.

In the evening, we recorded over 30 donors in Valco and over 20 donors in Adehye Hall.

On the 30^th September, we had a little challenge with one of the halls we intended to visit due to a ban that hall was serving. However, we focused on the other hall called Atlantic Hall.

All necessary arrangements were done by JCI UCC members and when the hospital personnel’s arrived at Atlantic hall.

JCI UCC members conveyed all the materials from the car into JCRC were the exercise was to take place.

The Hall Master came into the JCRC and saw the worthy cause the members of JCI UCC had embarked and acknowledged us that it was a good job done. He added that, he had heard of the shortage of blood in the blood bank so he didn’t hesitate to approve our letter of request when it got to his desk.

JCI UCC members were elated by the words of the headmaster and believed they had indeed championed a noble cause.

The media also came to interview the President about the reason and importance of this project and what he would like tell other youth organizations.

The President said, “they (JCI UCC) are active citizens and they find solutions to the problems in their communities and they believe that service to humanity is the work of life”.

In the evening, the hospital personnel’s recorded over 30 donors and encouraged JCI members that they had done a good job.

On the 1^st October and which marked the last day of the project happened in Oguaa hall the first ever built hall in the University Cape Coast, in spite of the fact it was scheduled to have happened in Amamoma, a community within the University.

After all arrangements had been made, we called to confirm our coming and unfortunately, we were told by the chief that, they will be having a big funeral on the said date of the project and it was taking place on our said venue.

Oguaa hall also responded massively to the call to “donate blood to save lives” and it a remarkable project organized by the members of JCI UCC.

After the entire program, we recorded 152 units of blood donated.

The hospital personnel’s acknowledged JCI UCC members for such a remarkable sense of active citizenship and edged them to continue their good work to save lives and in making our world a better place to live.

Patrick Adjei Nketia

Patrick Adjei Nketia

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THE INTENT OF MAN

The white hot intent of man unseen

The colored book seen isn’t as the wisdom therein

Mourning with you but smiling cheerfully within

The outer seen might not be the inner unseen

The white hot intent of man unseen

Like opening the door happily and closing it murmuring

Like seeing the vile and after raising the vile

Like awakening from a horrifying dream

The white hot intent of man unseen

Greet you in the morning and will plan your obituary at night

Will honor you with his lips but he is far from you in his heart

“You can count on me” they say, but counting on them become countless

The white hot intent of man unseen

The outer seen might not be the inner unseen

BY PATRICK ADJEI NKETIA

13/06/11

The author is the Immediate Past President of Junior Chamber International-University of Cape

Coast. (JCI-UCC) Local Org. A certified trainer, a creative writer, motivational speaker, poet, self motivated,

God-fearing, social entrepreneur and a dynamic leader, who always communicate the

idea of PEACE, the youth having a positive mental attitude and creating positive change in their

communities. He believes, through our collective efforts we can make Africa (our motherland) and

the world a better place.

Patrick Adjei Nketia,

Email-poetinsmile@gmail.com

Phone: +233 242 661230

NB: comments and recommendations are warmly welcome

Patrick organizes TOURING events

This trip was organized by my "Mildrick group" a multi-facet business organisation which is into Events, Tourism, trainings and consultancy in these field.

It was such a fascinating experience where we presented 22 participants for this maiden event to "Nzulezu, a village on the lake tani" in the western region of Ghana.

ILLITRATE GRADUATE

THE ILLITERATE GRADUATE

Few days ago, after I spent some time at the library, I decided to come back to my hall of residence. On my way, I drunk a sachet of water and decided to hold on to it, since there was no dust bin nearby.

As I walked some few meters, I met a teaching assistant (A person who had good qualification grades and have been selected to assist lecturers in their work). Who was with a colleague and they were coming my way. Suddenly, I saw him threw a white rubber, from which he was enjoying a pastry, down the pavement.

I greeted him and said to myself, "you off all!"

Interestingly, there was a dust bin from where they were coming from. I picked his trash and added mine and dumped them into the bin.

This is not to prove myself sensible or wise but the right thing must be done! As individuals who had undergone or are now undergoing vigorous training to become role models of excellence, enlightenment and productivity ought to behave.

I was also behind four male students in the final days of my university education. We were walking on a pavement that leads to the market place. As we know, most of the time, there are nice lawns and grasses beside the pavements. Shewing to the fact that, we should walk on the pavement and not to trespass unto the lawns and grasses.

I could see from behind that, when it reaches some part of the pathway, you will have to go a few meters before you turn right or left. That part of the lawns has deflowered and some of the students in front of them had taking the vantage to tread on the grass and get to the other side of the road thinking they are being smart.

So as I watch them closely from behind and they were also chatting blithely, they came to that point of the pathway. The one who was close to that point, drifted unto the grass, I could hear one among them who was dominating their conversation passed a comment that, “if others are doing the wrong thing and do you also have to follow?”

I just saw him run with speed back to join them feeling humiliated by his wise act.

I followed them grinning and continued my walk.

It’s pathetic to see educated people in some small ways, exhibiting like illiterates but it shouldn’t be like that! I believe you bear with me?

From one article I read, Manu Goel a senior editor at http://www.keydegree.com wrote, Education has an immense impact on the human society. One can safely assume that a person is not in the proper sense till he is educated. It trains the human mind to think and take the right decision. In other words, man becomes a rational animal when he is educated.

A rational animal he says, and then you are an intellectual in that respect. Please do well to develop and prepare yourself to the uttermost. I believe the university is a platform for an individual to get polished for this arduous world ahead even though, we continue to learn in this journey of life.

In order not be an illiterate graduate, here are some few tips you can gear your actions towards;

· Use your commonsense even though commonsense is not common. Please exercise sound judgment in your activities and believe in yourself to stand for the right. Though, you will be ridiculed by others for being different.

· Be open-minded; in that always seek to be ready to entertain new ideas. This can be made out by attending conferences, seminars and workshops. Please let me tell you, expending my money and time attending these capacity-building programmes have indeed and truly aided in broadening my mind and impacted my life greatly.

· Be a leader; Do well to aspire for leadership positions. Take up opportunities to serve and this will also bring out the best in you. Aside that, it will better your teamwork, decision-making, critical thinking and public speaking skills. These will never be taught in your lecture rooms.

· Be an avid reader; please my reader, I will like to lay more emphases on this. We will attest to the fact that, we attend an institution basically to learn, however, we should make quality time to read outside our lecture notes and what is taught by our lecturers. As you improve upon your vocabulary, you learn and meet the great people who changed and are still changing our world positively. Do well to buy and read good books.

· Be a volunteer for once; do well to voluntarily extend a helping hand to the vulnerable and the people in need. You might want to learn a skill, learn a work that you have passion for. Volunteer to learn in that outfit. Also volunteer to travel, work and to see how other people are also living in other parts of your country and you will appreciate life while you marvel at the opportunities you open for yourself. I will recommend non-governmental organizations (NGO’s) like Junior Chamber Int. (JCI), AIESEC, Leadership empowerment clubs (LEC) and other volunteering organizations for you to join and you will never regret.

· Be a researcher; At times I read and I come up with some ideas of some writers. I ask myself, are they really saying the right thing? How can I know the truth? Unless you and I research. The internet nowadays, contains mind boggling information which will feed you with the right information you are searching. Not only should we “facebook” but also research into the deeper side life to awaken our consciousness and awareness of the secrets of this world.

· Embark on attachments/internships; in spite of the fact that, attachments and internships have been incorporated into the academic system. Some students do not find it pertinent to make use of it. My reader, apart from the knowledge you will acquire from the job market while you are in school. After you have graduated, every employer will like to employ a person with some hands-on experience.

Albert Kusi Prempeh (C.E.O of Leadership Empowerment clubs LEC) is a friend of mine who has dedicated his life to impact our generation through organizing of capacity-building programs and speaking to the youth to unearth their leadership potential. Albert has extended his tentacles to almost all the regions in Ghana while he was still in School pursuing his degree.

Fortunately, He had the opportunity to work with a renowned company right after his national service. Albert said to me, “Patrick, the manager told me one of his board members was saying, they should go in for an experienced person instead, but since the C.E.O of that company knew what Albert can do, he didn’t hesitate to entrust that job into his hands.

For a matter of fact, Albert had been organizing his programs in all the regions the company have allotted to him. He told me,” I know the terrain and how things work in all these places”. And I said to him,” all this while was your preparation stage”.

Though you might not gain your experience by organizing conferences or seminars, yours might be a small knowledge or skill you will learn or acquire when you embark on that attachment, when you volunteer, when you lead, when you decide to extend a helping hand to the vulnerable. And this will bring you greater joy in your quest for prominence, intellectual enlightenment and higher elevation.

I wish I could furnish you with more info, however, if you will only apply what you have read here. It will be a major step for greater accomplishments in your life.

Am most grateful you have spent your time with me and I believe it is worth it. Until we meet again on paper, let’s keep winning with our positive mental attitude!

Thank you and have a good one.

The author is the Immediate Past President of Junior Chamber International-University of Cape Coast. (JCI-UCC) Local Org. A certified trainer, a creative writer, motivational speaker, poet, self-motivated, God-fearing, social entrepreneur and a dynamic leader, who always communicate the idea of PEACE, the youth having a positive mental attitude and creating positive change in their communities. He believes, through our collective efforts we can make Africa (our motherland) and the world a better place.

Patrick Adjei Nketia,

Email-poetinsmile@gmail.com

Phone: +233 242 661230

NB: comments and recommendations are warmly welcome.

The Power of Names.

THE POWER OF NAMES

Authors want their names down in history; I want to keep the smoke coming out of the chimney.

~ Micheal Spillane.

Have you thought of why business personnel’s have always their name tags on? Why it is always a name board on some customer service desks of some business representing the personnel’s behind the desks? Why do we honor great people and business names who contribute huge sums into projects by engraving their names on these projects(buildings) to acknowledge them? Why do we name people after monuments because of their tremendous efforts in that helm? Why do people build their businesses with their names on them?

I was once in a Toyota Urvan, which is known in the local dialect as “trotro” with my elder sister Sharon. After the car drove off for about twenty meters, we came to follow a Metro Mass transit bus (MMT) which was introduced by the Ex-President John Agyekum Kuffour’s, so the bus has being well known in all over the country as “Kuffour bus”, which am also a victim. This issue was broached by the mate(the person who collects the monies in the bus) and some passengers supported, why is the bus still called “Kuffour bus” even after he has left office, one passenger who was fair in complexion and was sitting right behind me said,” and even, the 1 Ghana cedi currency after the redenomination exercise was known by some citizens as “kuffour dollar”. Also, there is a yellow gallon used to fetch water also known as ”kuffour gallon” due to the scarcity of water during his term of office in some regions of the country. I was really fascinated and smiling, as I pondered over it and sat quietly in the bus.

There was a time, my business team and I went to a hotel to seek for sponsorship on an event we intended to organize at the hotels’ premises. We were well dressed in our suits as we entered the hotel and were heading to the reception. As we got closer, I noticed the name tag on the receptionist’s uniform, I smiled and enthusiastically mentioned it and asked how she was fairing. She looked amazed and replied with courtesy. After, we asked if the manager was around and she directed us to his office. One of my team mates asked me, where I knew her? I smiled again at him and told him, I spied the name tag on her uniform. I can see my mate was euphoric about the gesture, my reader you can try this and you will be amazed at how the person will behave towards you!

This was another incident that happened at a workplace I was volunteering. On the first day, I was introduced to the personnel’s and the departments in the organization. It was really exciting as I tried to remember their names. It was not easy to recall everyone’s name, but I tried to remember as many as I could. There was this guy in a blue and white striped shirt, a baggy jean and a well shaved hair. He was at the marketing department, whom I first met at the counter before the introductions. At a point in time, he told me to do something for him and I needed some clarifications. So spotted him passing and I called him by his name, “Richie”. He responded and came around and he said “wow”! You know my name and I said “yes”. I was not stunned by his reply but I could see he was elated. I knew he might not have taken note of my name or didn’t know the power of names. Immediately, He asked my name again, my mobile number and started telling me a whole lot about his work and what he was expecting from me.

One thing I have known is that, every person’s name is the sweetest word in any language. So wherever I go and whomever I meet, I try as much as possible to ask the person’s name and try to repeat it in order to remember the name. At times, I would ask the meaning of the name especially, with the ladies. In order to know the significance and also to take some time to associate the name to the person so I can recall it whenever I meet that person again.

How do you feel when a mail is written and the salutation is like “dear Patrick or Hello Patrick” than dear Sir? When I see it, it puts me in a positive mood to read and reply what the sender needs from me. What might be going on in your mind is that, so if it is not written that way won’t you reply? I will reply alright but writing it with my name makes me feel important and believe you will also feel the same. You might find yourself in a cacophonous area; however, you can imagine the situation if someone mentions your name. You will see how swiftly you be turning your neck, albeit it might not be you in particular the person was referring to.

Finally, let’s all have this in mind that, names are of very importance and that we shouldn’t forget names just like that. Let take the pain to remember the names of people we meet, day in and day out. Whenever we didn’t hear the name right, we ask for person to repeat It and also try to associate the name with something around the person. Please, try to practice what am advocating and it will definitely pay off big time some time and someday. If you really want know what remembering names can do, I will edge you to read “How to win friends and influence people” by Dale Carnegie. My reader I bet you it contains some classic research on the use of names and it be of much help to you.

Many thanks for spending your precious time with me and I believe it really worth it. I appreciate it so much and lets keep on with the positive mental attitude as we ponder over the quotes blow.

Each generation wants new symbols, new people, and new names. They want to divorce themselves from their predecessors.

~ Jim Morrision

I always have trouble remembering three things: faces, names, and - I can't remember what the third thing is.

~ Fred Allen

The author is a creative writer, poet, self-motivated, God-fearing, social entrepreneur and a dynamic leader, who always communicate the idea of PEACE, the youth having a positive mental attitude and creating positive change in their communities. He believes, through our collective efforts we can make Africa (our motherland) and the world a better place.

Patrick Adjei Nketia,

email-poetinsmile@gmail.com

Phone:+233242661230

NB: comments and recommendations are warmly welcomed.