A brilliant Nigerian lady named Temi Odunsi has been awarded the best-graduating student of the College of Medicine at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
Temi obtained a bachelor’s degree in Medicine and Surgery (MB; BS) at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria with honors earning the best graduating student award in her college. She said in an interview with punch that she did not plan for the achievement but she aimed for the best right from the beggining.
She mentioned that throughout the seven years academic journey, her scores consistently placed her at the top, often ranking first, second, or third which was always surprising.
However, her friends attributed her success to her diligent work ethic, which included six to eight hours of study daily while still maintaining six hours of sleep. She stated that the academic, emotional and social support she got from her parents also helped her.
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Temi mentioned that her mother who is a medical doctor inspired her career choice to become a medical doctor. ”My mom provided more academic support since she’s a medical doctor,” Temi said.
”She could relate to the questions I had and the subjects I studied. She provided guidance and tips over the phone while my dad provided more of emotional and social support, surprising me with tubers of yams and provisions in school,” she added.
She also stated a memory from her childhood where every morning on her bus ride to school, she would see individuals by the roadside begging for alms or food willing to help them but she did not know how.
I’ve always admired the way she worked as a community physician. She always helps people even when it may be inconvenient or stressful. She’s selfless and generous. From that, I thought, “Okay, it seems like what my mom is doing is related to my childhood goals and dreams,” Temi said.
”I’ve always wanted to give back to the community and help people, which is why I immersed myself in volunteering during medical school. And my mom would always say, You’ll be able to touch lives with the little you have, be it money, your smile, or just helping or talking to someone. You’d also have your daily bread,” she said.
She mentioned that in her first and second years at the university, she was not involved in any extracurricular activities because she wanted to understand her reading pattern.
However, in her third and fourth years, she was actively involved in various activities and organizations. Temi said she was the Assistant Music Director of the University College Hospital Sinfonia Choir.
Temi said she also volunteered in organizations such as Hamstrings and Rotaract Club, holding positions such as chairperson, international service director, treasurer, and financial secretary.
She stated that one significant challenge she faced was in one of her courses. Temi said she found it tough learning all the drugs and their mechanisms of action but with the support and collaboration of his friends, he was able to overcome this hurdle.
She stated that she trained herself to be very optimistic in the face of difficulties, like power outages, challenging courses, or being swamped with clinical rotations, she remained positive.
Temi said the fear of disappointing others, including herself, and her parents who were supportive and always encouraged helped her to be focused and motivated amidst the rigorous academic program.
Talking about how she felt when she learned of her achievement, Temi said she was elated, shocked, humbled, and grateful. She encourages aspiring medical scholars to start early, be consistent, be diligent, avoid procrastination, and face their challenges head-on.
Looking forward, Temi said she wants to continue doing what she loves, volunteering. She added that she aspires to establish foundations and organize conferences and seminars for young individuals who would inspire them to start early and demonstrate that hard work, and consistency.
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