WHEN WE FORGET THE COMMUNITY

It is no news that we are weeks into a new semester which is legendary for various events like conferences, public speaking events, sporting competitions, hall, department & faculty weeks, themed dinners, awards nights and gyrations and so much more.

The countless activities slated for this semester brings to mind one essential part of every student’s life – community, thus making it a good time for us all to be reminded of the power of community, particularly as it relates to us as Awoites.

While the last semester may have been great for some of us and even ordinarily uneventful for some of us, one undeniable fact was that it came with a lot ofdrama in the hall that lasted through the semester. If anything, it reflected the lack of communal spirit in the hall.

From five minutes arguments that never had the pump to evolve into fist cuffs, to toilet hoarding and locking individuals, to power tussles betweenthe post graduates and undergraduates, and claw-showing hall leaders and students who simply couldn’t obey basic rules. These and more were proofs that Awoites weren’t really united, and that we didn’t see ourselves as part of something bigger.

Indeed, Obafemi Awolowo Hall is the largest female hall of residence in Sub-Saharan West Africa and no doubt, the hall is full of rising experts in their fields like sociologists, lawyers, scientists, engineers, doctors, educators, influencers, business women, tech babesand many more.However, beyond the hall serving as a place to inhabit, it has the possibility of bringing together students to form a true community of strong, talented women.

Sure, making goals and planning towards a successful semester puts us on the right track to success, especially as the CGPA journey of every student is a tough one. However, deciding to solely choose ourselves and never truly considering and interacting with others creates a culture that leaves no room for community.

One of the most comforting feelings for any woman, is having another woman or other women who has her back and is constantly there for her. The impact of networking among women and fostering ties that help in building a circle can never beunderrated, especially in a world in which gender prejudice, stereotypes, violence against women, gender pay gaps still exist. In truth, how else can we empower ourselves and others if we do not look out for each other?

For an environment that isn’t the most convenient, creating an atmosphere in which our individual voices can be heard, support is never withheld and cheering on each other is key is perhaps one of the answers to the semester blues.

As we get into the thick of the semester, one that would even be the last for some of us, I hope that we remember to be neighbourly, show love and treat one another as we would ourselves. Think twice before leaving restrooms a mess, let’s pick after ourselves, stop grabbing clothes off the line likeit’s a yard sale or jumping the long line of buckets in our hustle for water. “Women supporting women” isn’t just a catchphrase, it’s a lifestyle.

Building a community starts with each and every one of us and the little actions and decisions we make carry so much weight. For this semester to be collectively better for us all, it is dependent on each Awoite. I’m willing to take the first step, how about you?