Eunice Dania set a record at the Department of Physical and Health Education, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife when she made first class; the first time in 28 years, despite being a dancer who performed at different events regularly. In this interview with TUNDE AJAJA, the 25-year-old, who also made Distinction in her Master’s programme, talks about her days in school and the level she’s taking her dancing passion to
The basic understanding many people have about Physical and Health Education is the one they did in primary school. What does this course entail at the tertiary level?
Physical and Health Education is deeper than the layman’s definition of it. It is a subject matter that touches every aspect of life. Through involvement in activities, individuals can develop themselves mentally, physically, emotionally and socially. It helps individuals to make meaning of the world around them and think critically by exploring health-related and movement contexts. It also takes a preventive approach, rather than a curative one, towards the incidence of diseases. It entails the mechanics and analysis of movement (biomechanics), socialisation (sociology), understanding of the structures and functions of the human system (anatomy and physiology) and the study of mental practices (psychology) towards promoting purposeful and goal-directed movement for healthy living (kinesiology).
You must have had deep interest in the course to have first class in it, was it the course you had always wanted?
I wanted to study International Relations but I was given Physical and Health Education. I decided to take up the course, but I sat the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination again hoping to change to drop the course. I realised the course was more than I had perceived it to be, so I began to love it and I stuck with it. However, I had the plan to have first class but it didn’t come easy, especially from Obafemi Awolowo University, and a department that had not produced a first class in 28 years. It was challenging but I was able to overcome the challenges through prayer, hard work, discipline and determination.
How many of you had first class in your department?
I was the only one in my set.
How would you have felt if you didn’t make first class?
Although, it is not the determinant of success in life, I still would have been devastated because of the efforts I put into it.
Would you know if there was anything people didn’t do for those 28 years that you did?
I don’t think I did anything that had not been done before, so I really cannot say why it was difficult and my department had the best lecturers I can think of. But as I said, I prayed, worked hard and smart, avoided procrastination, attended lectures, read my books and gave my best. Every individual has their own style and pace of learning. I had to take the time to figure out what worked for me, recognise and improve on my weaknesses and capitalise on my strengths; always ready to know more and constantly seeking ways to improve on myself. I have never been comfortable with ‘average’. I believe that has always been the reason why it’s either I give my best to something or I don’t attempt it at all. Excellence and greatness have a price; they never come easy. It involves working hard and smart, discipline, faith, determination and commitment. These principles have always been my watchword and applying them without any second thoughts has always worked for me.
Were there things about your growing up that prepared you never to settle for average or it has to do with personal decision?
All thanks to God and my parents who gave me the needed support (advice, discipline, encouragement and memories). Growing up was fun and memorable. Those memories cannot be forgotten, because they came along with several experiences, lessons and values which have helped
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