THE SIGNIFICANCE OF CLASSMATES: How My Cleaner’s Old Classmate Assisted Me to Get NDA Appointment Years ago, while employed as a clerk at a university in Nigeria, I came across an advertisement for the Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA). Intrigued, I applied, submitted my forms, and was summoned for the admission examination.
Having to journey from Osun State to Kaduna, I reached out to a distant uncle residing there for accommodation. Despite sending a letter, I received no response. Concerned, I discussed my predicament with a colleague at work, unaware that our office cleaner, overhearing us, offered assistance.
Surprised by his suggestion, I reluctantly accepted the commandant’s contact information, doubting its usefulness. However, upon arriving in Kaduna and facing accommodation uncertainty, I decided to contact the cleaner’s acquaintance at NDA.
To my amazement, mentioning the cleaner’s name at the NDA gate elicited immediate recognition, leading to a warm reception and a swift escort to the commandant’s office. The commandant, upon seeing the names on the paper, eagerly inquired about the cleaner and warmly welcomed me, offering both lodging and support for the upcoming exams.
Impressed by this unexpected kindness, I began to view the cleaner, Kabiru, in a new light, realizing the power of relationships in achieving success. Subsequently, I excelled in the exams, underscoring the importance of connections in life’s journey.
In reflection, I advocate for nurturing relationships, recognizing the potential in every individual, regardless of their status. Whether through alumni networks or online platforms, every interaction holds value, potentially unlocking doors to success.
Key Principles for Classmate Relationships:
1. Unity and Support: Treat classmates as family, fostering cooperation and unity.
2. Respect and Equality: Regardless of titles or achievements, maintain mutual respect and equality among classmates.
3. Empathy and Outreach: Extend empathy and support to classmates facing challenges or lesser success.
4. Patience and Timing: Acknowledge that achievements unfold over time, with each individual experiencing their moment of success.
5. Collaboration over Competition: Class groups should prioritize collaboration over competition, fostering an environment of cooperation.
6. Avoiding Cliques: Refrain from forming political or exclusionary groups within class circles.
7. Humility and Gratitude: Remain humble and sincere with classmates, remembering their support during times of insignificance.
8. Success as a Collective Effort: A united class celebrates collective success, irrespective of individual achievements.
9. Respectful Treatment: Avoid treating classmates as subordinates; instead, maintain mutual respect and kindness.
10. Kindness and Reciprocity: Extend kindness to classmates, recognizing that fortunes can change over time.
11. Authentic Support: Genuine support from classmates transcends monetary transactions, offering aid in times of need.
12. Forgiveness and Understanding: Embrace forgiveness for classmates’ mistakes, recognizing their humanity and fallibility.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF CLASSMATES: How My Cleaner’s Old Classmate Assisted Me to Get NDA Appointment