A sessional Afterlook: Gift bags for every Queenite, one present at a time

 

Getting a present comes with different emotions. The initial act of receipt might not be all euphoric because the most beautiful part of it is the time you unwrap. However, you are likely to get a little more excited when you hold your present and have a physical feel of it. Similarly when you give the session an afterlook, you can only wonder what part of it shined the brightest: the beginning, middle or end? The answer, much like the best part of the present, is yours alone to treasure. As you await the entrance of the new session, indulge in a little wishful but not too delusional thinking, write to Santa, and who knows? Your next gift bag might be exactly what you wished for. 

But, wait! These gift bags are not from Santa, they are from the New Dawn team, led by Agbonde Mojoyinoluwa. The gifts may not be perfect, but they came from the heart, soulfully chosen for each of us. The Mojoyin-led administration brought together disparate pieces, to make the picture we see today.

The administration deserves accolades for promptly notifying Queenites of the no-package policy which ensued as a response to rising costs of goods and services. Consequent to the notice, the hall book distribution was commenced.

This tenure began on a promising note, with the Hall Chairperson's Grant being its inaugural project; three Queenites were awarded 10,000 worth of stationeries with attendant Benefits’, to pursue their academic and personal goals. The inclusion of examination packages as part of the grant was more than valuable, in fact , a timely resource, with Queenites reporting significant benefits. A pioneering political leadership committee, which paired mentors with mentees was set up. This ensured skill development and knowledge sharing between experienced student leaders and upcoming ones. 

The introduction of the maiden edition of the Hall's Honor List was inaugurated towards the tail end of the session. The list which recognized and celebrated outstanding Queenites in various aspects of studentship was committed into a tangible form and immediately displayed in the hall for all to see. 

Due credit goes to the Royal Academic Board for the scheduled tutorials on selected courses, led by seasoned tutors, to support the academic development of residents, particularly freshmen. Considerably, the administration offered substantial academic support to a large number of Queenites. To encourage a reading culture amongst Queenites, an Online Book Club was also created.

The Complaint Desk was the main medium for Queenites to air their opinions and grievances. The congress held during the tenure was just another outlet for Queenites to express their concerns directly to the executives. However, the timing of the congress raised more questions than it answered. What was its purpose, considering that the semester was drawing to a close at the time it was held? The press wonders if the congress was intended to plan for the upcoming session or give Queenites the final opportunity to engage before the semester's close. 

On entrepreneurial efforts made during the tenure, experts in various fields of entrepreneurship were invited to train residents in different skills; however the program was only for a day. While the effort is commendable, the Press notes that a single day's training is insufficient to impart the requisite expertise as this leaves a wide gap between introduction and mastery. 

Students’ finances often get the least attention since nobody is in school to enrich another financially. However, it would be wrong to hold this notion because financial stability is essential to academic success. This is why financial literacy programs are important in student welfarism. The financial literacy program was organized to equip Queenites with the knowledge necessary to maintain financial composure, advance prudent and wise financial choices. On the contrary, the funding campaign promised to support residents was not effective. 

A sports calendar and workout sessions were introduced to promote a healthier lifestyle among Queenites. Although participation in sporting activities was initially low, and as a result, the calendar was created only for football, the effort was a positive step forward in encouraging participation in sports.

Regarding the resume and CV writing webinars held during the tenure, feedback from residents suggested that the webinar was particularly enlightening for final-year students on the verge of entering the labor market. 

There were additional cloth lines provided for Queenites to spread their clothes. This seemingly small but thoughtful gesture had a positive influence on the daily lives of residents, especially for those who would rather not spread their dresses outside for the fear of them being waved aside or trampled upon, due to the shortage of cloth lines.

The administration's innovative PR strategy utilized the hall's media social pages to create awareness about hall events, keeping residents engaged and informed. In particular, the Instagram page, WhatsApp groups and channels were mostly used to disseminate information about upcoming events, seminars and important directives from the school and hall management. However, the hall's twitter account was mostly dormant, with little or no activity on it.

The team's efforts extended across social awareness and integration, with the freshers’ welcome, maiden karaoke sessions and DIY videos. A finalist hangout was initially promised but it was cancelled following a house resolution. At its best, the creative projects enabled Queenites to express themselves through various mediums, including dance, courtesy of a choreography session.

And the cherry on top of the icing? The Hall week. With no regard for the hitch during the variety night, every other thing was worth the hype. The launching of the hall's custom football jersey is another commendable effort of the administration. Finally on health, two tank washing exercises were conducted during the session to ensure the water storage facilities were clean and hygienic. Also, a water filter tank was launched, to provide Queenites with access to safe drinking water and also to relieve them of sachet water expenses. Sequel to at least two fumigation exercises during the session, a reasonable decrease in bed bugs was observed.

Service is not just a bunch of plastic and dispassionate plans; the heart is poured into every every effort. Mojoyin and her team were quite the sight for sore eyes, planning and execution extraordinaire. To the Nexus team, raising the bar is imperative, not optional. 

Dear Queenite, you got the session in a gift bag, each present and one at a time, you unwrapped with expectations and hope; now that you hold your presents, what do you think of them? 

Happy Holidays!