Lessons from My Professorial Journey- Be an Example to Others.

“Where I am today… I still have my ups and downs, but I take it one day at a time and I just hope that I can be the best that I can possibly be, not only for myself, but also young people that are out there today that need someone to look up to,” so declared Demi Lovato.

 In Albert Schweitzer’s words, “A good example has twice the value of good advice.” Let’s reflect on being an example to positively influence others.

Do you know that the society easily identifies it when you’re an example? The fact is that your life is a silent influencer of lives. The impact of your actions on others may be more than words. Since my professorial conferrment, I’ve received several feedbacks. A good percentage of the feedback centred on how my educational pursuits have positively influenced many to believe in their capacity to be more. Many have confessed they now believe what they thought were impossible are actually possible.

Particularly with people familiar with my life routines, excuses such as “I have no time” or ” I’m busy” are gradually looking unreal, and some that used such excuses are reviewing their stands. The celebration in my community when the news of my professorial conferment came out brought another dimension to the conferment. Prayers poured, dancing joined, merriment occurred, and drinks were in abundance, all courtesy of the excitement of members of a community so proud to have a professor. Even the village head publicly pronounced ‘Let him die” upon anyone that would think evil of “Esang, their professor.” In all, they saw someone attain a height they never thought was reachable and my community being the example to bigger communities in the LGA that having a professor was possible.

So, enhance your capacity to be an example to others. Don’t merely live, impact lives, influence lives, transform lives, be that example others look up to. Know that in some instances, your life may create more impact than any monetary gifts or motivational speech. As Kent Germany said, “Be a vessel, be the change, be the difference, or be the inspiration. Shine your light as an example. The world needs more of that.” In Israelmore Ayivor’s words, “Your followers are interested in going where you have gone before. Take them where you have been and let them know what took you there. They’ll learn by your example.” Debasish Mridha added, “Be an example and open a new way for life.” He added further, “I want to inspire others by becoming an example and sharing my thoughts and actions.” Don’t forget, as Shannon Alder said, “You don’t have to say everything to be a light. Sometimes, a fire built on a hill will bring interested people to your campfire.”

As you step out, don’t underestimate the impact of a good example. Remember the example Ayivor cited: “A good example is the best gift you can offer to your children. In your absence, your example is present, which means you are present always!” Never forget what Bejamin Franklin said: “A good example is the best sermon.”

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Prof. (Engr.) Esang Esitikot is a professor of occupational health and safety, a COREN-registered chemical engineer, a public affairs analyst, marriage counsellor, youth mentor, reviewer for some international research journals and volunteer lecturer at the Institute of  Health, Safety, Security and Environment, University of Uyo. He works for an international oil company and can be contacted via 08035103559 (Whatsapp only