Dear Friends,
Today’s letter is from Toluwalase Abiona. Toluwalase is an environmentalist and the founder of the Zero Plastic Straw Community. In this letter, she shared about finding her passion and the advice that encouraged her to take action.
Enjoy.
What was the turning point for you in your life/career choice?
The turning point for me was during Covid. My department at the University of Lagos, the Marine Science department, organizes a trip to Ghana for the final year students annually. The purpose of the trip is for students to visit and explore locations, attend conferences and summits that relate to the marine sciences. We went for the trip and when we returned, we were told that Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) was on strike, and that Covid-19 was here, so we had to go home. We were home for more than six months due to both the lockdown and the strike, and during this period I got involved with a lot of things. One of these was being a part of JCI UNILAG. As a member of the executive body in my faculty, I got to know about JCI through one of their activities in my faculty, and I joined them.
Later, they hosted a guest speaker on their WhatsApp platform, who delivered a talk on, ‘Waste Management and Volunteering.’ I have always volunteered since my first year in school for different causes which included women advocacy. The guest speaker shared about how young people can contribute to waste management. This made me realize that, while I understood my course of study, I wasn't applying it. I liked the sea, but I didn't realize that waste management and the protection of the sea were linked until I heard the talk. This happened during my final year, so I decided to take action. I volunteered for the SWEEP Foundation. At some point, I became the program officer. This happened in 2021. This was the turning point for me, because it made me realize that I can do more. In addition to this, I began to read more about environmental issues like waste management and the likes."I learned more about plastic pollution. I also attended a meeting for Ocean Heroes. - a network of young people who are trained to understand the ocean and how plastic affects it. The program was supported by the UN Environment. I also got certified as a Tide Turner for doing some work for the environment..
What are things you have done over the years that have made a big difference?
Giving my life to Christ.
Starting a Non-Governmental Organization
Pursuing a career in politics.
What was that one piece of advice you received that changed your life?
I received this advice from one of my best professors in school. His name is Prof. Charles Onyema. One day, while in class, we were complaining about the union strike and the school management. And he said to us, ‘Don't complain about something you can't control. Complain only if you are going to solve the problem’. I took that advice, and it was one of the pushes that made me join more political activities in school. It made me know I could do much more than complain. If we evaluate how far we have come as a nation, what have our complaints really done? If we redirect the energy we invest in complaining toward taking action, we will see the desired change, even in government. This advice inspired me to take action from my own space instead of complaining.
How do you deal with setbacks?
I deal with setbacks by moving on. This is anchored on the fact that I know my identity in Christ and I remind myself no matter what has happened in the past I am moving to the future. My faith in Christ helps me to do this, as the Lord speaks I move. I am too optimistic to pay attention to pessimism. I am enthusiastic with what I am doing. So, I just learn from my past mistakes and move on.
What do you think is one good thing in the world that we don't talk about well enough?
I think it is good news. One day I was talking to God, and I was curious about why there was bad news everywhere, especially on the internet. Someone also said, 'Bad news is what sells.' Wouldn't we be happier if things go well? Imagine if we had only good news for one week. People do not appreciate good news; they are only focused on what is scattered. I am in for good news every day, and it is something people overlook in their lives. They overlook the good news and are focused on the bad news.
What is something that keeps you excited for the future?
The things that keep me excited are youths and Sustainable action.
What is the one piece of advice you will give to someone just starting in your space?
I will advice them to seek God and know their purpose in life.
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Your friends,
From AllforDevelopment.
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