- Tile Tersoo John makes a first class in Civil Engineering at Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Markurdi, Benue state
- He recounts how he combined his hairdressing business, factory work to achieve academic feat
- 28-year-old John advises youths to be focused, hard working
For Tile Tersoo John, life is a journey with many facets of destination. A first class graduate of Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Markurdi(formerly Federal University of Agriculture, Markurdi) in the department of Civil Engineering, John believes that success in life a product of hardworking, disciplinary life and determination.
In this Exclusive chat with WITHIN NIGERIA reporter, he revealed that he combined shaving hair with his studies in other to sustain himself while in school.
Excerpts
In the beginning
My name is Tile Tersoo John, a graduate of Civil Engineering from Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University Makurdi (formerly Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi). I am an indigene of Benue State from Tiv ethnic group of Nigeria. Born in a family of six. I was born on 24th March, 1995.
I am the second child of my parents. My father’s name is Mr Athanasius Tile, while my mother’s name is Mrs Rosemary Tile. My Dad is a public servant, while my Mom is a petty trader.
I love teaching, carrying out research, and meeting new people.
I dislike failure, arrogance, and dishonesty.
Why did you decide to study civil Engineering?
The decision to study civil engineering was as a result of my love for Arithmetics. I developed an interest and love for Arithmetics right from when I was in nursery school. During my secondary education, the love for science and Arithmetics increased exponentially.
This was facilitated by my physics and further mathematics tutors. Since they were all engineering inclined, I decided to take after them and go for Engineering.
My choice for civil engineering, however, was the quest to contribute my quota to the development of our beloved country infrastructurally.
Civil Engineering is a profession that beautifies a nation. Structural infrastructure is one of the criteria of rating a particular city or nation. I wish to be a part of the team that will add value to the country in terms of infrastructure development.
Hence, the decision to study civil engineering.
How did you make it, getting first class degree in Civil Engineering?
Graduating with a first class in civil engineering was actually a dream come true.
My first class was purely God’s grace on me. However, it was backed up by hard work, resilience determination, and prayers.
I studied as though success purely depends on studies and prayed as though success purely depends on prayers.
What is your CGPA?
My CGPA is 4.50.
What was your motivation?
My greatest motivation was my Mom and family at large. Whenever I think of them and imagine the reactions on their faces when I will finally bag a first class, it made me work harder. This was because my family had so much trust in me, particularly my mother. She believed I could do all things and attain any height. This was a huge motivation to me amongst others as well.
And like I pointed out earlier, I dislike failure. For that reason, failure was my motivation as well, Whenever I performed below expectations, it propels me to do better.
What is your brightest moment during your undergraduate years?
My brightest moment came when I was in 300L second semester. That was the semester I first made distinction in all my courses.
Another worthy of note was during my Students Industrial work Experience Scheme(SIWES). This was a stage that brought civil engineering to a reality to me. I had the opportunity to witness closely the construction of a flexible pavement in one of the towns in Makurdi metropolis. I really felt good .
What was your darkest moment?
My darkest moment was when I fell sick in my final year. This was the first time that I had to leave school for treatment since I started my undergraduate program.
However, I came back stronger.
Who sponsored your education?
My education was purely and solely sponsored by my parents( my mother and father)
Some people think that first class graduates are usually arrogant, how do you cope with this stereotype?
Since I’m fully aware of the misconception, I don’t really take it to heart. What I know is that no two human beings are exactly the same, and also, we don’t have to allow someone’s opinion on us to become our reality.
So, I always learn to be myself and not to take their misconception to heart.
I just wish the society would learn to see before judging as there are a lot of humble first-class graduates out there who are willing to contribute to nation building.
What is your next plan?
It is my desire to further my studies in the engineering field if given the opportunity.
Also, if I have the opportunity, I would like to begin practising my profession in earnest( either being in the field or impacting knowledge into the younger generation as it is already one of my hobbies)
Is first class for every student?
First-class is and is not for everybody.
First, it is for everybody because , as undergraduate student in your first year, it is assumed that you are all on 5.00 CGPA.
But when you start journeying through your program, that is when your attitude towards studies will determine whether first-class is for you or not for you.
Apart from financial challenges, what other challenges did you have in your undergraduate years?
Other challenges included delay in academic calendar, delay in result approval.
Did you belong to any social, religious, political and cultural organization?
Yes, I was an active member of the Nigeria Federation of Catholic Students(NFCS), an active member of Legion of Mary Society. Special aid to the one-time Senator representing Civil Engineering departments of the University.
Did you have any side hustle during your school years?
I was a barber, and I sometimes worked in a bread factory as well
And a secondary school teacher
How were able to combine it with your studies?
I do them mostly while on break and during those periods of ASUU strike. I intensified the teaching immediately after my final year exams while I was waiting for my results to be approved by the university senate.
What are you currently up to?
I am currently undergoing my NYSC program in Akwaibom State
Finally, what is your advice to the youths who have lost hope in Nigeria and future?
I will advise my fellow youth and comrade that, a life worth living is worth living well, when there is life there is hope, never give up on your father land, fir I believe better days will surely come. Only the dead are hopeless.
For you to be successful in this life, you have to work as though success solely depends on hard work and then pray as though success solely depends on prayers.
My mobile contact are 08138118859 and 08074746898.