Persistence is built by showing up always

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Isaiah 40:29 (NIV).

Teaching is not only an inherited passion (from my mom), but also a profession I love and respect. The caveat to teaching is that you are actively involved in learning. Some years back as a teaching assistant (TA), I taught some freshmen who became very dear to me. One of my mother’s principles of being a good and kind teacher is to give equal attention to all students regardless of their intellectual abilities. She says not to leave out the brilliant ones because you assume they will quickly understand and at the same time pay attention to the not-so-quick learners as obviously they need you even more. However, these ones were in the mid-point of the scale. They were friends, were always punctual to class and would actively participate during in-class activities. During the semester, they had to do a group project and present at the end of the semester. Naturally, they picked themselves. As class progressed and the semester was coming to an end, I would check on each group as the TA to know how the project was going. This was to assist the professor and spare him the hassle of running after a bunch of freshmen—I gladly ran after them, we are all students after all. It turned out, my dear students were having a hard time organizing the project and getting results. After some back and forth and giving them tips since I couldn’t actually do it for them (that’s the point of a project), they struggled to get a hang of it. On the day of presentation, everyone was present including the professor to listen to each presentation and then grade. All groups presented regardless of how the project turned out except for this group. Why?! The other partner was so upset about the project and refused to come to class. The other partner could not present because the professor insisted on having all members present. That was disappointing. I went to meet the partner and encouraged her because, obviously she was upset too but all I could think of was if only she showed up! The next time I saw the “runaway partner”, she gave all valid reasons and I sympathized with her but, I duly told her she only needed to show up. The reason why I said that was that during my meetings with the professor, we would usually discuss the class and I would update him. Unbeknownst to the students, they would get full grades as long as they present no matter how the project turned out. We believed in them, but we also understood that these are freshmen still trying to figure out college, so there was no pressure. 

SHE ONLY HAD TO KEEP SHOWING UP TILL THE END! 

I believe they did not fail the class but still, the situation could have been averted. I told my beloved students, “Most of college is about showing up and dedication to the academic grind.” Submitting assignments by the deadline, coming to class, studying for the exam, attending campus fellowship, maximizing every chance to learn and actually learn with others…those are acts of showing up”. Hopefully, the lesson was passed to the college students, but those words have stuck with me till this day.

Grad school may be a little different from college for obvious (or not) reasons. There are times grad students are just done, burnt out and without the will to go on.  Showing up and doing my bit has become a voice of reason in dire times. The heat of grad school could get to you my friend, the semester might be taking a toll already (yeah….because we are not machines!!). There is a lot to do and the lines between academic, professional, and personal lines seem to be crossed a lot. This is an encouragement that you are doing better than it looks and the Lord has given you all it takes to get through. Your human strength may be failing or you may be far from the expected outcome. Exchange your ability with the Lord today and simply keep showing up for each duty. 

Show up for your coursework, it’s finite.

Show up for your lab mates and colleagues, you need one another.

Show up for your research daily, practice makes perfect or something close.

Show up for your spouses, they are your whole nine yards.

Show up for families and friends, you care for one another.

Show up for grad school, it’s only a phase in life.

Show up for yourself, you are worth it.

Showing up always is not only a physical presence. It could be emotional support, words of encouragement, intercessory prayers, even venting out over coffee or tea. 

Special note: Would you give your life to Jesus Christ? He is the way, the truth and the life. If yes, please pray the prayers below:

Lord Jesus, thank you for your death and resurrection for the salvation of my soul. Please forgive all my sins. I choose you today to follow and to obey. May your love and the holy spirit lead and guide my purpose for your glory. Thank you, my Lord and savior. Amen!

Grace and blessings,

Olushola.

For more posts from this blog visit Bedeborah.