Story Story!!
Once upon a time….. (Lol. this is not a tale by the moonlight)
I had a roommate back then in Uni (you know the studious ones that make you ask yourself if you are even reading) lol. Be calming down, I’m not here to waste your time) It was no longer news, he was going to come out as the best-graduating student. I sha struggled to give my parents a 3.5 CGPA for zoology. Fast forward to 5 years later, It was another busy morning on the streets of Lagos and I was heading to my workstation along that Obalende axis, I don’t know what made me decide to do POS there (omo, you know how the areas can be).
I brought out my ATM card to give to the agent only to see that my roommate from Uni, we just smiled at each other and I knew going to my workstation had to wait. He stared at me and shook his head. The first thing that came out of his mouth was “This life is unfair” before he started telling what happened after school. It occurred to me that the intuition to withdraw cash was to meet my friend. I talked him into taking action and learning a digital skill. We exchanged numbers and planned to meet after the close of business on how to get him started.
As I left to get a bus heading towards my workstation, I kept on pondering. My roommate was good. Trust me, I’m not talking about just being a bookworm alone. He was an all-rounder who one way or the other always seemed to shine in everything he did at Uni. It was intriguing to see him in such a different setting, but it also made me realize how far earning a certification alone can take someone.
After the close of business, I met up with my old roommate at a local joint in the heart of Lagos. The aroma of peppery stew filled the air as we settled down at a corner table. We exchanged greetings and dived into catching up on each other’s lives.
“So, tell me more about this digital skill thing,” my roommate said. From the look on his face, he was very excited. “I mean, I understand the world is changing, but what exactly do you think I should learn?”
I leaned forward, enthusiasm in my eyes. “Think about it this way,” I began. “Just like you excelled in various subjects back in university, acquiring a digital skill is like adding another feather to your cap. It opens up new avenues and opportunities.”
He raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Okay, I’m listening.”
“Remember how you always had a knack for designing? You even worked at the media department back then in school because of it. I asked. “Well, those skills are highly sought after in the digital world. Learning something like graphic designing or UI/UX could not only expand your career prospects but also allow you to tackle challenges in creative ways.”
He nodded, processing my words. “But guy, I’m not sure it will be possible. I haven’t done that stuff since I left school, how do I even begin?”
I pulled out my smartphone and showed him a few beginner-friendly online courses and resources. “Learning a digital skill doesn’t mean you have to become an expert overnight. There are plenty of resources available that break down complex concepts into manageable steps. Plus, your determination and drive are already proven by your academic success.”
He chuckled. “Yeah, I guess I did survive those late-night study sessions.”
“Exactly!” I grinned. “And the beauty of learning digital skills is that you can do it at your own pace. It’s like exploring a new world, and each small achievement is a victory in itself.”
He leaned back in his chair, deep in thought. “You know, I never really thought about it this way. I’ve been so focused on getting a 9-5 job from my certificate that I didn’t realize I could actually broaden my horizons.”
“That’s the spirit!” I encouraged. “Imagine the satisfaction of doing what you like and having the opportunity of working as a freelancer.
He took another look at my phone and grinned. “Alright, you’ve convinced me. I’m willing to give it a shot but I might need some guidance along the way.”
“Of course!” I replied. “We can set up regular check-ins, and I’ll be here to help you navigate the learning process, I have no doubt you’ll excel in this just like you did in university based on who you be.”
He laughed and we continued talking down memory lane while sipping our drinks. It was inspiring to see my roommate embrace the idea of learning a digital skill, and I couldn’t help but feel excited for the journey ahead.
Interesting right? Not everyone has a friend to give them the push they need to take that first step towards learning a digital skill. That is why we’ve made things easier for you. All you have to do is click here and be one step on your way towards learning a digital skill.