CHALLENGES AT ANDELA’s CYCLE XXIV BOOTCAMP: HOW I ADAPTED

In a complex and dynamic world of today, one is oftentimes faced with challenges that stretches our flexibility and put our patience to test, sometimes beyond yield point. It can be so tempting and frustrating that it only takes an individual with quite a sense of adaptability, discipline, motivation and commitment to maintain focus when the so-called adversities of life rear their ugly heads. Perhaps, while we plan, work and hope for the best, one will not be falling out of place to suggest that we should also, at every time, expect the worse, with inclusive plans on how to arrest whatever restrictiveness that may present itself.

Life at the Cycle XXIV Bootcamp was quite challenging at the beginning. My resilience, patience, sense of tolerance and understanding were at some point put to test; perhaps, unintentionally. But as if I envisaged what lies ahead prior to my arriving at the venue, I was able to handle and control my responses and reactions to the several confronting challenges — ranging from the variance in ethnical, religious, socio-cultural, and political background as well as the behavioral tendencies of the respective individual boot campers, the facilitators (BFAs) and the larger community. At the Bootcamp, or somewhere within, whenever I am challenged with some irrational behaviours, I often overlook and try to understand what could have prompted such.

Unlike Delta, where I was born and raised, Lagos is entirely a different place with a different way of life — the food, the atmosphere and the way of life all seem challenging at first, and almost made me ran back home like a wiped dog. What could be more annoying when I have to wake up as early as 4.p.m to get prepared so as to beat the morning “mad rush” just to catch a bus to the venue of the Bootcamp early, only for me to get trapped in a traffic for hours and arrive late! However, in Rome have I found myself, and like a Roman I must adapt and learn to live. Lagos, a City of modern day world, at least, so they say, but my experience has got my view to this claim running in contrast as reality depicts otherwise.

Yes, Bootcamp, and of course life in Lagos, was quite an experience; the lessons learnt will remain part of me, and will serve as the bed rock of moral foundations upon which I will build and further improve my relationship with others.

Thanks to Andela, and my wonderful BFAs and group members. It was awesome having you guys on the same team.