Table of Contents
From a Simple Idea to a Transformative Journey: The Birth of The Writing Class
They say every great journey begins with a single step. For me, that step was casually mentioning to a few friends my idea to host a workshop aimed at helping entrepreneurs enhance their storytelling and writing skills. That casual conversation sparked the creation of The Writing Class 1.0.
Reflecting on Five Years of Impact and Growth
Looking back over the past five years, I am amazed at how that one decision has influenced hundreds of young individuals. Witnessing this vision evolve beyond my initial expectations fills me with immense gratitude and a profound sense of purpose. It’s been a privilege to nurture this initiative and watch it flourish into something far greater than myself.
Key Insights from Five Years of Leading The Writing Class
As this chapter draws to a close, I want to share five valuable lessons I’ve learned throughout this incredible journey.
Generosity Extends Beyond Monetary Contributions
Often, when we think about giving back, we limit ourselves to financial donations-whether in naira, dollars, or any currency. This mindset can make us feel powerless if our disposable income is limited. However, generosity is not confined to money alone. Your time, expertise, connections, and even encouragement are powerful gifts that can create meaningful change.
Action is the Ultimate Form of Learning
With a background in statistics, I value thorough research. Yet, I’ve realized that waiting to have all the answers before taking action can hinder progress. The most effective learning happens through doing-testing ideas, refining methods, and adapting strategies in real time. Don’t hesitate; dive in and learn as you go.
Adaptability is the True Essence of Consistency
During the third year of The Writing Class, I faced significant challenges balancing my responsibilities as a corps member, adjusting to a new environment, and managing fatigue. My original ambitious plans had to be scaled back. However, recognizing a literacy gap among the junior secondary school students I taught inspired me to pivot. This led to The Writing Class 3.0, which, though less grandiose, became one of the most impactful sessions, boosting both literacy and confidence among young girls.
Harness Your Unique Strengths and Collaborate
Everyone possesses unique qualities-be it charm, intelligence, humor, or resilience. For me, my strength lies in building relationships. Leaning on the talents and generosity of friends and industry experts was crucial to sustaining this project. Their willingness to share knowledge and time prevented burnout and fueled our collective success.
Consistent Effort Leads to Unforeseen Growth
The selection process for the fifth and final edition of The Writing Class was unexpectedly challenging due to a surge in applications-surpassing the total from all previous years combined. This overwhelming response forced us to expand our intake beyond initial plans. This experience reaffirmed that no matter how modest your beginnings, persistent dedication naturally attracts growth and opportunity.
My advice? Just begin. The possibilities that unfold from taking that first step are often beyond imagination.
For those interested, you can download the comprehensive 5-year report of The Writing Class at no cost.
