For the umpteenth month this year, I am putting up a blog post on the last day of the month ( I usually target minimum of one per month). This time, it is because of my current status as a student. If you are a student or have recently been one, you probably can relate. October has been a hectic month, as I have gone from one deadline to another each week. I completed four midterm exams and a number of assignments and presentations, each one requiring varying measures of preparations and study, sometimes in a group, sometimes alone.

Being a husband and father is tough to combine with schooling. My children have no business with my schedules, and their needs take no break. Add to that being a friend, mentor, classmate, and other things. I am grateful for a supportive wife. For someone who takes his responsibilities and commitments seriously, I can only go one day at a time. Given the added fact that I learn best when I attend classes, there is considerable pressure on my ability to manage time and priorities. This is one time I seriously envy those who find it easier to study on their own.

Many days, I have to prioritize and re-prioritize as things change during the day. The Eisenhower matrix has become a critical tool as I examine my to-do tasks each day. In terms of a hectic schedule, the worst is behind me, I think. But I am not completely out of the woods yet. With one more paper due this week, and a couple of presentations due during the month, more work lies ahead. But the inviting sights of Reading Week (lecture-free) is enough to keep me grinding. Hopefully, that week can be more meaningful and provide me a chance to get out for some sightseeing before winter sets in.

Speaking of winter, I have been eagerly looking forward to what would be my first sight of snow. Although I have been warned about Canada’s brutal winter (which suggests I shouldn’t be looking forward to winter), I can’t help but imagine experiencing in person what I have only previously seen on screens. We’ll deal with the consequences when winter comes. And I sure am not alone – a number of international students like me are also eagerly waiting, not to speak of my wife and my little boys.

On a final note, today marks the anniversary of the day I seriously started considering leaving my previous job – I would say it was the day on which the decision was made. Everything that happened after Oct 31, 2021 was mostly consultation, with family, friends, and confidants. One year later, I look back and have no doubts or regrets about that decision. It has not paid off yet, neither do things look super-fantastic, but I am confident about this journey of evolution as I pray for divine wisdom to sail through this phase successfully. Thanks for stopping by to read, and have yourself a pleasant November!


6 responses to “October – take a bow!”

  1. Unenwojo Folaolurin Dan-Laka Avatar

    I love reading your write ups bro

  2. Ikeh Myiralobari Avatar
    Ikeh Myiralobari

    Wow, congrats, brother. It’s done. God bless you.

    1. thetoyintaiwo Avatar

      Amen. Thank you, brother.

  3. Opeyemi Akinsanya Avatar
    Opeyemi Akinsanya

    Good to hear from you Pastor Toyin Taiwo. My regards to yoir wife and children sir. 😊

    1. thetoyintaiwo Avatar

      Glad to read from you too! Thank you you for stopping by!

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