A Reflective Piece - The Bridge Program (TBP). - PT 2
Torn Between Memories: Dorm 5, House Himalayas, Volunteering, Reflections, Educators, My Story Session, Deep Conversations, The Big FIVE and Post-Camp Thoughts.
Dear Reader,
I hope you're doing well. This week's journal is a continuation of last week's reflection on my August 2023 experience at The Bridge Program Bootcamp in Lagos. Today makes it two weeks since we left the Bootcamp. This evening, I find myself in my room, listening to sentimental music by Lana del Rey and the soothing rhythm of raindrops as they grace the earth with their presence. I'm torn between the longing for the unforgettable memories of the Bootcamp, the recent induction ceremony (TBP Fellows '22) and networking event in Lagos and also the anticipation of the personal growth that awaits me and my Co-fellows.
Educators.
The Educators at The Bridge Program are truly phenomenal individuals. They all possess open minds and welcoming hearts that created a learning environment where every student felt valued and included. These Educators played a pivotal role in guiding us through the experiential learning journey and venture projects. They illuminated our paths to growth, self-discovery, resilience, entrepreneurial leadership and teamwork.
I would also like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the Volunteers and Marketing Team, who diligently documented our bootcamp experiences through photos and videos. A special thank you to Wisdom, Sogo, Deborah, Big Tams, Bolade, and Kitan. Beyond their creative work, I had the privilege of engaging in meaningful conversations with them.
My Story Session.
The morning assembly at The Bridge Program Bootcamp was a daily ritual I eagerly anticipated, much like everyone else at camp. It was a time for everyone to bound through games, playful banters, and most importantly, Storytelling. Each morning, a fellow Student or Educator would share their story for about five minutes. On the first day, Mr. John Igwe, our camp director, set the tone with his own captivating story, drawing us all into a space of comfort, vulnerability and deep connection.
When it was my turn to share, I was filled with a mix of excitement and nervousness. I wasn't sure which aspects of my life to delve into, so I decided to focus on three significant aspects of my life - Family, Books, and Volunteering. As we were all encouraged to share our stories, I found myself looking forward to these profound moments. It was an incredible experience listening to both Co-fellows and Educators as they shared their own stories and vulnerabilities. Through these personal narratives, I felt an indescribable sense of connection with everyone in camp.
In the words of Mr. John, "the stories being shared showed us how similar we are." These stories became the catalyst for meaningful conversations among us, whether during our leisure activities, meals in the cafeteria, or our downtime. Even after we left camp, I find myself compelled to check in on certain fellows, spurred by the profound impact of their stories.
Conversations.
My time at The Bridge Program Bootcamp exposed me to a remarkable congregation of sharp minds, an experience that left me feeling neither overwhelmed by my own knowledge nor inadequate in my understanding of the world. This Bootcamp offered a unique space where everyone, regardless of their academic background or expertise, could engage in conversations on equal footing.
These conversations often stemmed from the stories and experiences shared by my fellow Participants. We delved into discussions covering an expansive range of topics, from scholarships and tech to global opportunities and the new concepts we learnt everyday at the Bootcamp. We also explored the dynamics of romantic relationships, the delicate balance between academic pursuits and personal development ventures like volunteering/ community development, internships, and work.
I distinctly remember engaging in profound dialogues with Oluwabukunmi, a Tech Bro and the founder of two StartUps. Our conversations meandered through diverse terrains, encompassing subjects such as Pan-Africanism, Sexuality, Marxism, African history, Plato's works (including "Philosopher King," "Allegory of the Cave," and "The Republic"), and the writings of the popular historian and public intellectual Yuval Noah Harari, particularly his books "Sapiens" and "Homo Deus," as well as his other online articles.
In addition to these discussions, I had the pleasure of conversing with my House Members and Fellows from other Houses about books and life uncertainties with fellows like Peace Babalola, Opeyemi Adeniji. Notably, I engaged in a deep conversation about "Dead Aid," a book by Baroness Dambisa Moyo, with Fellows like Adigun Aisha, Daniel Olunloye, and Tomiwa. These conversations were enriching and illuminating, offering a profound insight into the intellectual depth and diversity of the brilliant young minds that surrounded me.
The Big FIVE.
The Bridge Program is a transformative experience that equips students with the skills and mindset to address real-world challenges through hands-on projects by working with actual ventures or original ideas. I had the privilege of working with The Big FIVE. An exceptional group of young individuals on a challenging design project for a Venture - Wentors. Our collective efforts led to solving a complex issue that left us with a mix of satisfaction and a cherished TBP memory.
Working with "The Big FIVE" provided me valuable insights into the workings of the corporate world. Despite our diverse academic backgrounds, skills, and work ethics, we transcended our differences to tackle the Wentors Design Challenge as a united team.
Post Camp.
The day we departed from camp, tears welled up silently in my eyes. It was an unexpected surge of emotion, fueled by the uncertainty of when I'd have the privilege of being in the presence of these incredible young individuals again. These people, who only two weeks prior were strangers, had seamlessly woven themselves into the fabric of my life. They had challenged my perspectives, gifted me beautiful memories, engaged in profound conversations, and forged an indelible bond that defied the briefness of our time together.
The Bridge Program has had a profound impact on me. It has heightened my self-awareness, enhanced my problem-solving abilities, and instilled in me a newfound courage to step outside my comfort zone. Now, I treasure the thoughtful sugar cubes and heartfelt sugar mails I received from my Co-fellows, Volunteers, and Educators. I revisit the videos and photos that capture the magical moments we created and shared during the Bootcamp. I read through my personal reflections on the Google classroom, and each one evokes a deep sense of nostalgia.
The Bridge Program is an experience I wholeheartedly recommend to every Nigerian undergraduate student. It's not merely a program; it's a transformative journey that leaves an indelible mark on your heart and life.
Dear Reader,
What books are you currently enjoying?
I'm immersed in "An Abundance of Scorpions" by the phenomenal Hadiza Isma El-Rurai. This captivating story unfolds the life of Tambaya, a woman from Northern Nigeria, as she navigates love, hope, loss, gender disparities, vulnerability, and redemption.
Stay tuned for my upcoming review in a subsequent Reader's Journal entry!