An Offline World

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Have you ever thought about what the world would become if the digital space vanished? We are in the 21st century where the internet has taken over almost all aspects. Everything seems to revolve around the internet. I know how I feel when I don’t have access to the internet for a period of time, whether my phone runs out of battery or I run out of data. It is as if my body starts to itch, and I just can’t wait to get back online. Over the years, people have built a major part of their lives around the internet. Growing up, my parents, teachers, and older people used to emphasize the importance of learning a skill. Most parents forced their kids to learn handwork like barbing and making hair. However, times have changed. Majority of the skills people want to learn are now tied to the digital space.

Nowadays, not so many people want to learn offline skills or practical skills. People are now opting in the digital space and learning digital skills. What if the internet collapses one day? What offline skill do you have? What offline skill could you make a living from? This brings me to today’s Hive Learner’s topic for today. Today, the Hive Learners’ community asks us to discuss the skills we have. What skills do you have that have nothing to do with the online space? If for some reason, we all lose access to the internet, what skill would save you?

First off, it is important that people learn both a digital skill and a practical skill or handwork, because we don’t know what the future holds, really. What if you come across great opportunities that require practical skills? I have always wanted to learn handwork. Growing up, I watched my mother take care of her patients, and I learnt how to treat minor injuries and wounds. For years, I followed my dad to his workplace. I watched him as he carried out his daily business and I mastered it. But none of these count, do they? I wanted a “real” handwork. It was between learning barbing and photography. One thing led to another, books took over, and I sacrificed my desire to learn a “real” handwork for them.

When I read this topic, I actually did not think I would have something to write about. Fortunately, I had a conversation with Hopestylist and she said, “You’d make a good teacher.” I thought about this far, deep, and wide, and after everything, I nodded to myself. Indeed, I would make a good teacher. I strongly believe I have what it takes to be a very good teacher. When I got into the university, I actually wanted to go solo. I didn’t want to have anything to do with anyone. I just wanted to come to school, read, and pass exams. Somehow, this narrative changed. I made good friends, and many times, I found myself teaching them.

Many times, especially on my birthdays, my coursemates always thank me for teaching them and taking tutorials. “Thank you so much for everything, I don’t know what I would have done if you hadn’t taught us.” I started taking tutorials when I was in 200 level. At the time, it was just 2 of my friends. I’d go to their hostel and teach them well. From there, the numbers increased. I always try as much as I can to bring myself down so my coursemate would understand me well. I don’t only give them one definition, I give them many definitions and back them up with examples, and somehow it always works. From the numerous comments and thank you messages I have gotten from my friends and coursemates, I can boldly say I have what it takes to be a good teacher.

Do I plan to get better at it? I don’t know what the future holds. I could further my studies, and become a lecturer, but I don’t have plans for that for now. I don’t know what the future holds.

Thanks for reading.

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