By: Jensen Brian Abass Cummings
Introduction:
The landscape of education is evolving rapidly, with the prominence of regular and distance learning overshadowing the traditional day scholar system. However, the experience of being a day scholar student at institutions like Fourah Bay College in Sierra Leone goes beyond the mere acquisition of knowledge. In this article, we will explore the multifaceted aspects of daily scholar life and how it shapes individuals for the challenges beyond academia.
- Learning to Tolerate:
A significant aspect of day scholar life is learning to coexist with unfamiliar roommates, fostering tolerance and adaptability. Whether sharing living spaces with strangers or accommodating extra students due to limited room availability, these experiences teach invaluable life skills in communication and compromise.
- Making Room for Extra Students (Gorilla):
In the tight quarters of Fourah Bay College, day scholars often find themselves making way for extra students, affectionately referred to as “gorilla.” The scarcity of available rooms creates a culture of shared spaces, highlighting the importance of generosity and communal living.
- Balancing Daily Activities:
- Day scholars are compelled to strike a balance between academic pursuits and social engagements independently. In the absence of structured guidance, students learn to manage their time effectively, a skill that proves invaluable in later stages of life.
- Concern for Others:
Within the day scholar community, a sense of concern for fellow students emerges. Instances of absenteeism or illness are noticed and addressed collectively, fostering a supportive environment that extends beyond the classroom and toughens even after graduation.
- Managing Meager Resources:
With financial support often coming from parents or guardians, day scholars learn to budget and manage their limited resources. This financial discipline becomes a lifelong skill, influencing how individuals handle money in their post-graduate lives.
- Sharing and Acceptance:
The scarcity of resources encourages students to share what they have and accept what is available. These experiences cultivate a sense of solidarity and community, shaping individuals who understand the importance of cooperation in achieving common goals.
- Prominent Choices and Preferences:
Day scholars face choices in mundane activities like selecting a café for meals or deciding on late-night food options at the chapel. These seemingly trivial decisions instill the ability to make choices based on personal preferences, a crucial skill in navigating the complexities of adulthood.
- Governors (Govas) and Flat Life:
Rulership within student flats is a unique aspect of day scholar life. Designated governors, or “govas,” are responsible for the welfare of the flat and mediating issues between students. Living under rules and regulations prepares day scholars for the structured environments they will encounter post-graduation.
- Acceptance of Diverse Ideologies:
Despite differing ideologies, day scholars coexist peacefully, driven by a shared goal of education. This acceptance of diversity prepares them for a world where individuals hold varying beliefs, fostering an inclusive mindset crucial for societal harmony.
- Oneness during Graduation:
The graduation day at Fourah Bay College becomes a unifying celebration. Regardless of academic distinctions, students come together in a spirit of oneness, capturing moments of joy and anticipation for the challenges that lie ahead in the wider world.
Advice on the Impact:
The characteristics developed during day scholar life extend far beyond the college walls. The ability to tolerate, share, make choices, and accept diversity fosters individuals who contribute positively to their homes, communities, and the nation. Graduates are equipped with a unique set of skills and values that make them resilient and adaptable, qualities essential for success in the diverse and interconnected world.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the day scholar experience at Fourah Bay College and any similar day scholar university is more than an educational journey; it is a transformative phase that shapes individuals for a life beyond academia. Despite the evolving landscape of education, the timeless virtues instilled during day scholar life make a compelling case for its continued relevance. As parents contemplate the best educational path for their children, the holistic development fostered by day scholar education should not be overlooked, for it lays the foundation for well-rounded and resilient individuals prepared to face the challenges of the world.
Copyright –Published in print in Expo Times Newspaper on Wednesday, December 20th, 2023 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)