This week, The Prosperity Ark's Correspondent, Nerdie met up with one of the youngest recipients of the Princess Diana Award 2023. He shares his thoughts and visions and also, his drive to keep doing what he does.
Nerdie: Good day, Covenant. It's a pleasure to have you here with us today.
Covenant: Thank you, Nerdie. I'm delighted to be here.
Nerdie: Great! To kick things off, could you please introduce yourself to our readers?
Covenant: Certainly. My name is Covenant Odedele and I'm currently pursuing a degree in Medicine and Surgery at the University of Ibadan. I am deeply passionate about social impact, development, civic engagement, and national development. These passions have guided my decisions, activities, and engagements, including the initiative I founded.
Nerdie: That's impressive, Covenant. It came to our knowledge that you were recognized for your outstanding contributions to society some months back. Can you tell us more about the award you received?
Covenant: Absolutely. I was honoured to receive the 2023 Princess Diana Award UK, which is one of the most prestigious awards for young individuals engaged in humanitarian efforts. The award's primary purpose is to acknowledge the exceptional contributions of young people aged 9 to 25 worldwide who go above and beyond in creating a positive impact beyond their daily lives. This award aligns with Princess Diana's belief in the transformative potential of young people when properly supported, and their ability to effect change in various fields.
Nerdie: That truly is an incredible achievement, Covenant. Balancing your medical studies with such extensive extracurricular activities must be challenging. Can you share some tips on how you manage both?
Covenant: Managing my academic pursuits alongside my engagements is undoubtedly demanding but not impossible. I've developed a strong sense of responsibility and time management. This consciousness keeps me focused and efficient. Additionally, I've learned to make sacrifices, such as working late and waking up early, to maximise my time. I also practise what I call "sprinting" when necessary, giving my all to specific tasks for a concentrated period.
Leveraging the support of those around me is crucial. Friends and colleagues help ease the workload. Lastly, maintaining a high frequency of interaction with my studies keeps me connected, attending classes regularly, and constantly reminding myself of my student identity. All of these factors contribute to my rhythm and productivity.
Nerdie: Your dedication is inspiring, Covenant. Can you tell us what initially motivated you to embark on this journey?
Covenant: My journey began with a knowledge gap I observed during my first year in college. I noticed that many first-year students lacked familiarity with platforms like LinkedIn, which can be powerful tools for personal growth and networking. Initially, I wanted to organise a single event to teach students how to optimise their LinkedIn profiles. However, as I expanded this idea, I envisioned creating a community dedicated to sharing resources and tips on using professional platforms effectively.
I wrote an article outlining my vision for this community, aiming to establish its presence in different schools. I firmly believe that social media, when used purposefully, can be a force for good, promoting excellence, virtue, and meaningful causes. This vision continues to evolve and expand.
Nerdie: What an ambitious vision! Covenant, looking ahead, what are your plans for the future?
Covenant: As I've learned, every accomplishment brings new responsibilities. I aspire to inspire more people through my actions. Winning the Princess Diana Award has reinforced my belief that hard work and positive actions are rewarded. I want to continue inspiring others to start and persist in their journeys, emphasising the value of boldness and vision. I hope to instil the belief that anything worth doing is worth doing well, and everyone has the potential to make a positive impact.
Nerdie: That's a fantastic outlook. Finally, can you share how you felt when you first learned of your nomination for the award?
Covenant: Initially, I may not have shown much excitement, but deep down, I was genuinely thrilled. Over time, reflecting on the nomination has filled me with excitement and gratitude. It has served as a reminder of how rewarding it is to make a difference in the world.
The overwhelming congratulations and support on the day of the award unveiling were truly heartwarming. It was a moment I will continue to cherish.
Nerdie: Thank you, Covenant, for sharing your incredible journey and insights with us today. It's been a pleasure talking to you.
Covenant: The pleasure is mine, Nerdie. Thank you for having me.
Nerdie: Thank you to everyone reading this piece and if you would like to connect with our guest or learn more about his organisation - Students on LinkedIn, please reach out to him on Instagram or LinkedIn.
Goodbye!
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