Kelechukwu Onwukamike (Dr. rer. nat.) (Ph.D)’s Post

Not at all, you really can't afford to let what people would say get the best of you. I have come to the conclusion in life that people will always talk, yes they will always always talk, so in all you do, do whatever gives you peace of mind. I remembered vividly 11 years back, my sister got pregnant outside marriage, she was still very much a teen. When my dad heard about it, was the first time I ever saw my dad shed tears. My dad is a clergy man, so what will people say to him if they found out his teenage daughter got pregnant outside marriage. I could recall my dad telling my sister to leave the house( this way past 8:00pm) he couldn't bear the shame, and guess what few minutes later, he ran outside and brought her back home, and request that they give her food to eat( I will always respect and love my dad for this act❤️) People still spoke obviously 😂, but my dad did what eventually gave him peace of mind ✨ The amazing child my sister gave birth to was the only grandchild my mum nursed, it wouldn't have been a good one if my sister had gotten her rid of that child, nobody ever planned of loosing my Mum, few months after, life just happened ✨

Lesson8: "."You can't afford not to take chances because of what people might say." Life is too short not to take chances People will always talk irrespective of what you do. Think about all the people who have achieved great things in their lives. They all took chances. They all faced their fears and pursued their dreams. Sure, they may have experienced setbacks and failures along the way, but they kept going. So I don’t intend to listen to what people have to say. Life is too short not to take chances. I don't let fear hold me back from pursuing my dreams.

“You can’t afford not to take chances because of what people might say” Naturally I feel no matter what you do people will always comment or talk so you can’t say because you are afraid of what people might say and not take chances. Most successful people today took the chance without caring what other might think, do or say. I remember when I start taking courses in data analysis I found it hard at the beginning tho it was my first time in the field of tech thought it will be an easy transition and then I told a friend a friend he said I should focus on the medical field instead of going into the tech field but I had interest in data analysis so I just took the step today I made making progress in it. Lesson: you can’t afford to take chances because of what people might say

My transition from software engineering to data science and AI, I reflected on how embracing risk and disregarding external skepticism was pivotal. Initially, moving into a new field where I had less experience was daunting, especially given the well-established career path I was leaving behind. Many peers questioned the wisdom of moving away from a secure, familiar role into a field that was, at the time, still emerging and not fully understood in my professional circle. Despite these concerns, I was motivated by the potential I saw in data science and AI. This leap allowed me to not only participate in cutting-edge projects that were transforming industries but also accelerated my career growth significantly by positioning me at the forefront of technology innovation. This experience taught me a crucial lesson: progress often requires us to step out of comfort zones and ignore the doubters. By taking this chance, I not only advanced my own skills and career but also contributed to exciting developments in technology. The risk paid off, proving that stepping into the unknown, while intimidating, is essential for achieving substantial professional growth and impact.

Taking chances has been a pivotal aspect of my journey. I've realized that allowing fear of others' opinions to dictate my actions only limits my potential. Life is too short to be held back by the fear of judgment. Instead, I've embraced the idea that people will always talk, regardless of what I do. By taking chances and pursuing opportunities, I've opened doors to new experiences and growth. Even if the outcome isn't guaranteed, I understand that not taking a chance is a guaranteed loss. This mindset has empowered me to step out of my comfort zone, seize opportunities, and continue progressing on my journey. Till we all win

" you can't afford not to take chances because of what people might say" When I got my university scholarship, I was still contemplating whether I should go or not as I have also bagged admission into a nursing school. some of my friends started discouraging me that I can't cope in the school, that the school is not for me because its for the rich, telling me so many of the school regulations which they felt like I cant abide by, All these even made me to choose the school more and started preparing to leave. So, no matter what you do in life people will always talk.

When I was studying for my master's in the UK, finding a job was tough because the rules preferred local candidates over international students like me. Despite this, I decided to start job hunting before I even finished my program. A lot of my friends doubted me. They would say things like, "It's almost impossible for you to get a job here," whenever I talked about applying. But I felt that life was too short not to try. Surprisingly, I got called for several interviews. Even though the laws weren't in my favor, one of the companies offered me a temporary job because they were impressed by the interviews. This wasn't just any job but a chance to gain valuable work experience in a new country. Looking back, I'm glad I didn't listen to those doubts. It taught me an important lesson: don't focus too much on what others say you can't do. You might not always get exactly what you want, but trying can lead you to unexpected opportunities. Let's keep taking chances and showing up, no matter the odds. You never know what doors might open when you do.

"Lesson 8: You can't afford not to take chances because of what people might say." This lesson became crystal clear to me during my early days in higher education, when I encountered a life-changing opportunity that required me to step out of my comfort zone and face the judgment of others. Fresh into the higher institution, I stumbled upon a fellowship that promised to transform lives and provide a sense of purpose. Intrigued by the prospect of finding meaning and belonging, I decided to take a chance and join. Little did I know, this decision would lead to a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. However, joining the fellowship meant conforming to certain rules and standards that contradicted my previous lifestyle. I found myself torn between embracing this new way of life and staying true to my old habits. The fear of what people, especially my family and friends, would say weighed heavily on my mind. How would they react to my sudden transformation? Would they understand my decision to change? Despite my apprehensions, I took a leap of faith and committed myself to the fellowship, embracing its principles and values wholeheartedly. It wasn't an easy transition, and I faced criticism and judgment from those around me. Some questioned my newfound beliefs, while others mocked my change in appearance and lifestyle. I felt the sting of disapproval and disapproval from those closest to me. Yet, amidst the doubts and scrutiny, I found courage and conviction in my decision to take a chance on something that felt right to me. I realized that I couldn't let the fear of what others might say hold me back from pursuing my own path to happiness and fulfillment. As time passed, I began to see the positive impact of my decision. The fellowship provided me with a sense of community, purpose, and direction that I had been searching for. It opened doors to new opportunities and friendships, shaping me into a better version of myself. Looking back, I am grateful that I had the courage to take a chance, despite the fear of judgment. It taught me that true growth and fulfillment often require stepping outside of our comfort zones and taking risks, even if it means facing criticism and disapproval from others. After all, life is too short to live according to the expectations of others. Embrace the chances that come your way, and don't let the fear of judgment hold you back from living authentically and pursuing your dreams.

After graduating from high school, it took me another two years before gaining university admission. However, when I announced my decision to study agricultural economics, some family and friends were not happy with my decision. They felt I should have chosen an Engineering course whom they believed had more career prospects. However, I was convinced about my choice and I actually studied same course. By the grace of God, I have had an amazing and purposeful career. I have to come the understand the power of making a thoughtful decision despite facing criticism Kelechukwu Onwukamike (Dr. rer. nat.) (Ph.D)

Since Pry 2, I have always wanted to be a part of my school drama club. I enjoyed watching their end of term theatrical performance. However, the club comprises mostly seniors, so during their rehearsals I would join other juniors in watching from the door. Then one day as they were rehearsing for the end of the year party drama, the supposed king was struggling with the role, and had failed after multiple tries so that the coordinator began to pass the role to whomever was willing to take it. Most of the seniors at the practice took several turns but failed to please the coordinator. Then I requested to try, and was allowed. The seniors who were acting as guards gave me a terrible look because this meant that they'd have to fan me. But I didn't care and I played the role. My first attempt wasn't perfect but the coordinator was impressed by my performance and was willing to accept me for the role. That is how I became Igwe that year and was subsequently allowed to cast in every school drama, so long as I want to be in it. I never write myself off any opportunity or dull my shine for nobody. I would rather try, and sometimes fail, but know that at least I tried. Because you'll miss 100% of the shots you don't take. Take chances!