The Turning Point: How One Person’s Advice Set Me On A New Part

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We cannot always depend on our knowledge when we are confronted by tough situations. Sometimes, our knowledge on certain things are limited and may fail us. In life, we often find ourselves in tight situations- challenges. During tough times, listening to others, especially those older and more experienced than us can prove to be valuable. Although it is wise to listen to advice from people, we should know how to filter the good ones from the bad ones. Not all advice is meant to be followed. The best way to go about this is to follow the ones that come from people who truly care about you. Listen to people who care about you and are always ready to help regardless of your situation.

Over the years, I've realized that listening to people can impact one’s life positively. One of the benefits of listening to advice is that we gain new perspectives. No one is an island of knowledge. There are lots of things you do not know which is why you need to learn from others. Also, by listening to others, we learn from their experiences. When you’re in a tough situation, listen to advice from others. This is because they might have been in that position. Experience is the best teacher. In such cases, listening to advice can lead to a more positive and faster result.

This happened during my secondary school days. When I was in junior school, my dream was to go into the health line- to become a medical doctor or nurse. In my school, to cross over to senior school, you have to do well in your final exam. The final exam is known as Junior WAEC. This happened about 10 years ago- During my secondary school days. In my junior high school days, my dream was to pursue a career in the medical field. I wanted to be a doctor or a nurse. I had my reasons for wanting to go into the medical field. To move on to senior high school, I had to pass the Junior WAEC, a big exam that was the gateway to the next stage of my education. To become a science student, you have to get distinctions in your main subjects. If you don’t, they throw you in another department. As expected, I excelled in my Junior WAEC. I got into the science department effortlessly.

Things were going well, not until I started losing interest in Chemistry. I wouldn’t say I hated chemistry, I just wasn’t enjoying it any longer. At one point, I got tired and decided to move to another department- Arts. This is probably one of the worst decisions I’ve ever made. Well, that’s a story for another day. I moved from the science department to art in my second year (SS2). Art department was different. There was no competition. So, I stopped reading. I stopped preparing for tests, and it started affecting me.

My best friend, who happens to be a commercial student, noticed and he called and advised me. He told me that instead of staying idle and not reading, I should try to come out as the best student. That day, I buckled up and started reading. I won an award for the best in literature that term. I discovered the beauty of literature and fell in love with books. Here I am today still enjoying and loving the world of literature.

Even though many years have passed since we were in secondary school, I still feel a strong connection to this friend. Even though we don't talk every day, we still make an effort to check in with each other and stay in touch. I feel lucky to have him in my life. He’s a very good person.

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