How it all began
Must have been two or three weeks ago, I remember nothing when I’m tired, I received a mail on one of my sour days. On such days I’m bland, zero excitement or expectations. It wasn’t a euphoric moment for me. No “yeah! The sustainability show chose me”. Not even an “Okay, how will I be assessed in this new niche? What exactly should I be doing now?”. It was just a casual “oh, okay”.
I followed the link, and like a teleportation device, I was transported to a room (these things feel real in my imagination). Everybody was talking. And I had to listen to every whit of what they had to say, phew!. I could already identify several personalities in the space. Much to my relief, none had his/her nose in the air with answers to the gravest issues. I followed quietly, introduced myself when I had to. Probably because I was afraid of being evicted. The rules were not stringent but very specific. As an afterthought, I also love the idea of identifying with a solid group.
University 2.0
In the ensuing days, I realized I was enrolled in a school. I was overwhelmed (as I am every other day trying to catch up with the accelerated growth and information around me; Hell, sometimes I burnout from my self-imposed marathon). There was too much I had to come to speed with. I guess it’s note worthy here that I studied Communication Arts and was only introduced to Environmental Communication in my third year. I was lazy and didn’t do my homework so, my knowledge of sustainability was fragile. Past tense.
Now in the group, I followed the discussions, learned what I could and did my homework when I had to. I’ll summarize what I’ve learned so far; mostly that this group is aptly organized.
Onboarding
That felt like my induction back in my freshman year in university. My imagination wasted no time providing me a perfect vista. We were in a spacious hall, comfortable for everyone in attendance, and there’s the raised platform. Smoothly, the first speaker presents his report. This was a report from last year’s activities. I was itchy. Then the team leads confirming the organization was well in its element. Such succinct details. I was in a daze. I was going to be a part of everything. And then I frowned remembering how strict the rules are about the well-defined roles. These rules again. How pissing.
You know, I was a clueless fresher in year one. I sat in a class that wasn’t meant for me for two weeks; the hell, why did it have to be on the timetable? No one told me I wasn’t meant to take all the elective courses. Induction was boring, I skipped that. I didn’t laugh about it when a colleague finally put me through the course selection process.
Back to the present, I decided I was going to join the communications team. When it came time to fill the freshers form, there was ESD!. Laban must have had a good laugh at Jacob. No Communications. ‘Sustainability’. What do I know about that now? I thought. So I decided, ESD it is. True to your promise, I got two mails with links to the ESD team, the Abuja group team and the grand community group. The SustyVibes community group always has more information. And I wonder if you all know each other personally. It’s admirable the geniality and corporation between the team heads.
Public Relations
You are always available. Like a rapid response squad. And in the most convivial way. Ready to guide and nurture your cubs. It’s a lion something. Making sure everyone is carried along. Cheers Jennifer Uchendu.
I’ll be here in the long haul and I know I will still affirm my next words. There’s the much needed transparency most public offices need to boost the status quo. I find the system very inclusive. Open to all and partial about nothing. Now I think about it, it’s chosen platform was a smart choice and projection. But now, considering how much an individual is exposed to, it has become one of the distractions and noises of everyday life, seeking it’s own insatiable attention. Nice one though, I noticed most of the information comes at rest time. What a farce. To the communications team lead, I loved your detailed presentation. “we can hit the ground running” that line stuck.
Highly Informative
Recently, I’m a mess. Or not. But I’m everywhere trying to get a grasp of everything. That’s certainly foolhardy. But you, you give me focus. Or so I think right now. We are a diversified group. Our backgrounds have rubbed on us so that we are different personalities. I have learned more than sustainable living which was my bargain. There’s social decorum -the conversations are as civil and friendly as ever. And there’s well researched information on everyday crisis. “Autism”- what even inspired that thought process and eventual class? From one link of a class, you get diverse views and you find that you are learning new things everyday. So you are not disadvantaged when you open your mouth.
Final thoughts
I count my milestones each day and celebrate my little wins. Out of the abundance of your freewill to share your knowledge and experience. Thanks for the love.
I think what I’m about here is – you are engaging in the most convivial way. You manoeuvre the social media platforms with such deftness. I had my expectations though. I envisioned a “Tumblr-like” platform with a section dedicated to everything. Compartmentalization. And all things Susty could fall in these sects. For example: A section for photography could have pictures of the landscape showing either damage to the environment or redeemable steps being taken. This could then serve as a database for street campaigns. We could then use the pictures for different occasions. Then again, I haven’t visited the blog nor other social media handles except our Whatsapp group. I’m still learning. I’m open to sharpening my blunt edges and I thank you for providing me this avenue.
Thanks for having me. I play the ‘shy maid act’ so you can always find me at the back seat. I’m a quiet back bencher and I’m glad I finally seduced myself into doing this. Hope you had a nice read.