My Career Reflection

Reflecting on my career journey, it's amazing how far God has brought me and where He is taking me. From a 21-year-old uncertain of her career path to a 35-year-old Commissioner with a thriving planning career, the transformation is surreal.✨️

How did I get here?

Growing up in a conservative Christian home, I had my doubts. I didn't see many successful figures who looked like me. No jewelry, no makeup, no trousers—beliefs ingrained in me.😊

The picture of career success was in professions like medicine, engineering, law, and banking. Although I was a bright student (with all distinctions in WAEC), I didn't get my preferred engineering course (perhaps because of my JAMB score, 206 and also because I didn't want to write JAMB twice).🤔

But I've learned that God used those circumstances to orchestrate my steps to urban planning. Indeed, God leads, and in Him, true success is not a function of the course you studied.💯

Many people ridiculed my course, and some even said, "Planners only end up working for local government, walking about putting notices on people's houses"(putting it nicely).

I stand here today, a testament to faith in God, determination to excel, and God's ability to lift and defy societal expectations. God has helped me to shatter stereotypes and to continue to blaze the trail, all to the exclusive glory of God.🙏🏽

By strategic positioning, I've achieved what once seemed impossible by someone who studied planning. God has used this same “planning” to open several doors of opportunities for me.💃🏾

From academic excellence (first-class degree 4.72/5.0 from Obafemi Awolowo University, best-graduating student in my Department and Faculty) to prestigious scholarships (Total EPNL for BSc, Commonwealth Scholarship for MSc in the UK, SSHRC Doctoral Fellowship for Ph.D. in Canada amongst others).🎊

From serving my community to making waves internationally (e.g., appointed a Commissioner by the St. John's City Council to the St. John's Transport Commission, Canada), I've surpassed the expectations of those who thought nothing of planning.🙌🏾

To my 21-year-old self and anyone who doubts their potential based on pedigree, background, or course of study, remember: the model you seek is within you. Believe in God, follow His leading for your career, and don't limit yourself because of societal expectations or standards. If you are a Christian, you have the advantage of embracing your privileges as a Kingdom ambassador. You can be a Christian, a woman, a wife, a mum with a thriving career and a force to be reckoned with in your community!

This is my abridged career story. This is part of my legacy. And it's only just begun by God's grace because I believe there is more in God, and I know who I am in Christ. ✨ #QueenJourney #BelieveAndAchieve #FaithOverFear #planning #Career #TrailBlazer #TrueSuccess