*THE BEAUTY OF CLASSMATES*
1. Classmates Are Family.
- Avoid Things That Divide Family.
2. In Class You Would Always Be ABUBAKAR, EMEKA and ADEWALE etc Despite the PhD, SAN, Hon, Chief, General, Prof, Mr, Dr, Rev, Ustaz etc.
3. Check On, Reach Out To Classmates Who May Be Less Successful.
4. Achievements Are Processes Not Destination; Everyone Has His Time.
5. Class Groups Are Not Places For Intimidation But Co-operation.
6. Classmates Are Not Political Or Cabal Groups
7. Be Humble and Sincere With your Classmates, They Knew You When You were Nobody.
8. A United Class Is a Successful Class, No Matter Who Succeeds First.
9. Never Treat Classmates Like Employees..
10. Be Kind To Classmates, Table Can Turn in Future.
11. 💰 Money Can't Buy You Classmates' Support When You are In Trouble.
12. Forgive Classmates' Mistakes ,They are Human.
Many years ago I was working as a clerk at a faculty in one popular university in Nigeria, then I saw an advert for NDA (Nigeria Defence Academy), I have always loved to go to NDA so I applied, submitted my form and was called for admission examination.
I had to travel to Kaduna all the way from Osun State, I have a distant uncle that was resident there then. I wrote a letter (no telephone at the time) to my uncle that I was coming to sit for an exam in Kaduna and would love to stay in their house.
I didn't get a reply to my letter even as my departure date was approaching. I became so worried because I needed to go anyway, as I was talking to a colleague in the office concerning my fear of where to stay, our office cleaner who was a Hausa man overheard us and in his broken English interjected that he knew someone right inside NDA.
Who could he know there? *Is it not a cleaner like himself*, I unintentionally said it out to his hearing. "Oga no o, the commandant op za NDA na ma classmate and ma priend". In his bad handwriting, he scribbled the commandant's name on a piece of paper. "Just mention my name's por am, him go helf you."
I reluctantly collected the paper from him, not because I intended to make use of it but because I didn't want him to feel bad.
The next day, I set out on this long journey by train from Osogbo. I got to Kaduna a day later towards evening. Upon getting there, I went straight to my uncle's house only to find out that they had relocated from that place and no one knew their new address. I became stranded and it was getting late.
Around after 7pm, I made up my mind to give my cleaner's contact a shot. I got to the gate of NDA and mentioned the name I was given. To my utmost surprise, everyone in that bit, recognized the name and one person was promptly detailed to take me to his office.
I gave the paper where Kabiru wrote his name and that of his friend to the secretary who took it inside. On sighting the paper, the commandant shouted from the office and followed the secretary outside to usher me in. "Where do you know Kabiru?" "He's my colleague in the office, Sir," I answered.
"Where is he? How is he? Hope he's doing well?" This man was asking me many questions in an obvious excitement.
The look on his face confirmed to me that Kabiru was his beloved friend. He asked me what I came to do in Kaduna and I said it was for the NDA exams. "Wow, do you have where to sleep?" "No, sir." He immediately called someone to take me to his house. On getting to the house, I was lavishly entertained.
This man came late in the night and he woke me up and took me up on tutorials for the next day's exams. After the exams, he personally drove me to the park the next day.
When I got back to the campus, I began to look at Kabiru with a different eyes. How on earth does this man know such a powerful person? Needless to say, my name was number four on the list when the results came out.
Friends, I put it to you today that relationship is a currency. Every man needs another man to move up and that man may be the neighbour you look down on, maybe the taxi driver you so despise or even the house help you think is a nobody today.
Relationship is a stream of income. Everything in life actually reproduces on the basis of relationship. Those we know in life matter. *Most of us are talented but we need a cupbearer that will tell Pharaoh that there's a Joseph that can interpret dreams.* we need our old school mates irrespective of their status today.
Hook up with your class mates in the primary, secondary and tertiary schools alumni.
There are some heights you may never get to in life until someone tells someone about you even in church or mosque. Therefore, shut the door on relationships gently. You may need to use it tomorrow.
Let us take our relationships seriously. Even if you meet online, don't look down on anyone. You never can tell which of the relationships will be your own key to success.
I PITIED MY OLD classmate
I met an old class mate we had not seen each other for about 30 years.
When I saw him again, this time at a hotel lobby, he was looking simple. He wore simple clothes. I felt touched.
He walked up to me and was glad to see me again. But deep within me I was not impressed with his status compared to mine and poor me, and I couldn't hide it.
We exchanged contact details and I could see the joy in him as he collected mine.
I told him I would drop him home in my brand new Range Rover and I pointed it to him. He declined and said he had already called for his car. It looked old, a 2001 Honda Accord.
I invited him the next day for lunch at my house. A part of me wanted to impress him, to show off my success and affluence to him; while another was to discuss opportunities and possibly help him.
He drove to Parkview where I lived. He looked impressed with my home. I had taken a heavy mortgage. In fact, I was heavily in debt. We had lunch. He told me he was into small business and particularly real Estate. I brought up more business discussions, but he didn't sound too interested. I asked him how I could help him. He said he was fine. I even told him if he was interested, I could help him secure some loans. He looked at me and smiled.
He told me he would invite me over soon to his place. His old car came for him. I was grateful to God for what I had. “Fingers are not all equal”, I thought to myself. I was lucky. I worked in a good place.
Two weeks later, my wife and I went to see him in a remote area. Initially, my wife was reluctant to go because she was not impressed with the man's status as to warrant our visiting him in his house.
I was able to convince her that we were close friends in College.
We saw the Estate. We asked for directions to his home. Those leading us spoke his name with deference.
It was a simple but lovely home. A 4-bedroom bungalow. I saw 4 cars parked in front. We entered his home. It was simply elegant with a touch of class inside. He welcomed us warmly.
Lunch was well served.
His wife called him Papa Onos.
During lunch, he asked about my MD. He said they were friends. I saw a company gift on one of his tables nearby. That company owned about 38% shares where I worked. I enquired from him about it. He smiled. He told me he owned the company. He also owned the Estate.
I did not know when I called him sir. I was in awe of him too.
I had learnt a lesson in humility, A big one. Appearances are deceptive. He noticed my discomfort.
Driving back home, I was very quiet. My wife was humbled and extremely calm. I could perceive the thoughts in her mind. I looked at myself. Living on loans, heavy loans and showing off while someone who pays my salary is quite modest and living a simple life.
Indeed Deeper Rivers Flow In Majestic Silence.
Adjust your perception towards others this year.
Read, learn and take a good step of change
Stop rating people based on physical appearance or their level of education.
Have a lovely day ahead.
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