There's a saying which goes; "The journey of a thousand miles begins with a step". I think this statement has long become a reasonable cliche.
I was just 17 when I graduated from high School and all I felt at the moment was how to fill a real lacuna somewhere, how to cover a void of emptiness,how to begin this journey to the Fourth Estate of the Realm. I just had the feeling of wanting to do more than I can, I was just afraid of failure.
Meanwhile, I had written the 2022 UTME examination earlier while I was still in school with a score of 277 opting to study mass communication at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. But, one particular thought kept bothering me then - that was the need to broaden my horizon of knowledge as regards my dream course (mass communication). I felt that mass communication goes beyond getting a degree, I was so eager to enroll at any media training or workshop available because journalism (specifically) is just about the skills and expertise you have for it.
Coincidentally, in a bright Monday morning, I overheard a commercial on radio about a one month "Basic Broadcasting and Effective Communication" course. On hearing this, I was full of ecstasy and I did not hesitate to enroll myself in the training.
The training was wonderful, I, coupled with other students in the training, learnt a lot about practical media practices because the course was more of practical to theory. I met industry professionals, veteran journalists, on air personalities (OAPs) and more. I also didn't forget to network with interesting personalities in the media industry. I enjoyed every moment of it.
For the first time, I had the privilege to be in a live radio program in the studio, this particular one is memorable to me.
For now, I am armed with this certification as I look forward for more because these certificates are blessing in disguise. Also, in as much as I look forward to getting a bachelor's degree in school as an undergraduate, I would also be enthusiastic to enroll in more of these media trainings such as this.
In essence, I advise mass communication students in any institution in Nigeria to always explore other means in order to build a rich portfolio asides from being in the four walls of a classroom because these media trainings will come handy in the long run.
A student who reasons this way is already proposing to marry Success in the media industry globally.
I am Okoye Ifeanyi Peter, a 100 level student in the department of mass communication (Jacksonite) at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.