Despite the growing consensus on how increasingly difficult achieving a first-class degree is, Helen Ambi, who completed her undergraduate studies in the 2022/2023 academic session, has proven that with perseverance and diligence, it’s attainable at any level.
Hailing from Sanga local government area of Kaduna state, Helen Ambi developed an interest in Medical Laboratory Science after conducting research and reading about its versatility in the health sector. This prompted her to apply to UDUS, in pursuit of her newfound passion.
“Initially, I never knew a course like Medical Laboratory Science existed,” she admitted. “However, after conducting my research and reading about its prospects and versatility in the health sector, I decided to go for it. I applied and was admitted on my first attempt. This convinced me and made me glad that I chose this path.”
Like thousands of students with varying dreams admitted on a yearly basis, Helen Ambi’s journey to graduate with a first-class degree began, ultimately leading to her remarkable achievement.
The Journey at UDUS
The glamour of being confined within the four walls of academia began gradually, while Helen steadily pursued her dream of becoming a first-class degree holder. However, it began to dawn on her that she had dreamt too far – hope faltering like the fading of a newly painted mural.
“Not that I didn’t aspire to graduate with a first-class,” she said. “I actually did. But when I saw my 100-level results, although they weren’t bad, I expected to start with a first-class because it’s often said that the journey begins as a ‘fresher.’ I have always heard that if you want to graduate with a first-class, then you have to get it from 100-level, because as you progress, your CGPA will ‘drop.’ Hearing that made me give up on bagging a first-class degree.”
The 4.3 grade point obtained in 100-level didn’t only leave her stressed, worn-out, and frustrated but also prompted her to re-strategize.
“My friend Simnom helped me develop a new reading habit: night reading, which I would say really helped me understand what time of the day was most suitable for my assimilation.”
“I can’t really express how I felt, but I know I was excited because the green lights were beginning to turn up,” she said, in appraisal of how her new strategy boosted her records to 4.47 in 200-level and 4.46 in 300-level.
The Turning Point
In the School of Medical Laboratory Science (SMLS), the overall best faculty at UDUS, 400-level is known to be the toughest due to the bulkiness of the courses offered. Surprisingly, Helen’s first-class journey began in her penultimate year.
“My 400-level was the game changer for me. I know it’s known as the most hectic and challenging level, and probably the most difficult, but that’s where my story began. I achieved a grade point of 4.50 in my 400-level and 4.53 in my final year.”
In acknowledgement of the encouragement received from one of her lecturers, whom she simply identified as ‘Dr. Festus,’ she said, “I became more determined to give my best to achieving a first-class degree.
“I began having discussions with a few friends to learn new things, because no one’s an island of knowledge. It was when our 400-level results were released that I discovered that it had greatly helped me.”
“Don’t Give Up” – Helen’s Advice to Students
As a lover of research and volunteering activities, Helen, who intends to impact society positively by conducting research aimed at tackling sickle cell disease, has advised students to hold on to their dreams.
“Regardless of what people say or think, don’t give up on your dreams. Give your best to everything you do, including your academics. Have a good relationship with your colleagues; it’s important because you can never know everything, and we learn from each other.”
Wonderful Adegoke,
Abuja
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