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.

POWER OF APPRECIATION

POWER OF APPRECIATION

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. ~ John F. Kennedy

Some months ago as I could remember, we went for model UN conference in the capital of Ghana, Accra. I was then a delegate and it was such a wonderful event. There was a hindsight which was really fascinating to me. There was a key note speaker for the conference during our training session prior to the main setting.

He was in an African print, wearing a plain glass and with a pot belly. He was of a high rank in an organization. It was all quite when he took the stage and first greeted in three different languages. The atmosphere was warm because some of the fans in the room was not working.

He really gave us a detailed information about the UN and his office, what the youth can do to create positive change and be an active citizen.

I was indeed elated after his speech and something told me to speak to the man. I delayed a bit and suddenly I heard he was to leave after the question and answer time due to his busy schedules.

After about three delegates had poked questions and he had done his best answering, I stood up gently and got the microphone. Before I spoke, I thought to myself How would I have felt after this speech?

I then first mentioned my name and acknowledged him for his presence at the event was very laudable and also commended him on his thought-provoking speech.

Before I asked my question, I could see how his face beamed with a heartwarming smile and I could see his eyes brightened through his plain glasses. It was contagious; I also found myself smiling and asked my question. Before he answered he said “thank you Patrick”!

How does it feel if you post something and nobody comments even though he is not obliged to do so! It can be really painful and you might ask yourself why?

I have come to learn that, as humans as we are, each and everyone will one way or other need to be appreciated to make him delighted.

Appreciation brings motivation and encouragement. Send the chef a message that his food was superb, if it really is! Send that message to the friend, who extended a helping hand, say thank you first thing when you woke up, give that pat at the child’s shoulder, say thank you if he opens the door for you, acknowledge that host for his reception, kiss and hug after she had finished with the chores.

We can never do without appreciation if we really want to see the happier side of life. Have the attitude of gratitude and you will experience bliss everywhere you go.

Please, always give genuine appreciation so that the person does not feel you are flattering him or her. Flattering is praising someone dishonestly, telling someone something he already knows. Give sincere, genuine and honest appreciation and you will attract greatness to you.

Flatter me, and I may not believe you. Criticize me, and I may not like you. Ignore me, and I may not forgive you. Encourage me, and I may not forget you.- William Arthur

I consider my ability to arouse enthusiasm among men the greatest asset I possess. The way to develop the best that is in a man is by appreciation and encouragement. ~ Charles Schwab

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.

!

Books

Books.

I came from the room empty handed

And with an open minded

Filled my mind with the leaves of chapters

And the lines of sentences

I came from the room empty handed

And with an open minded

Dinned with great people

Traveled to wonderful places like a flying bird

I came from the room empty handed

And with an open minded

I think deep as the ocean and feels free like the blowing air

From the room, I was a bloom and not a doom.

PATRICK ADJEI NKETIA

21^ST MAY, 2011.

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

Opportunity comes for the PREPARED.

Never wait till the night before the interview before u start preparation.Never wait for that call before u prepare your passport if a visa had been available. Don't let us wait for opportunities before we prepare towards it. It may be in a haste or not complete. There is a saying that" if you take time to prepare there is believability".

Opportunity comes for the prepared, let's make our personal development the first priority. Take time to prepare yourself towards the uncertain. When you do that, you believe in yourself and value your contributions you give in every situation.Preparation is a tool to success. Take time to PREPARE and PREPARE very WELL .PREPARATION is NEVER a WASTE of TIME.

Thank u.