JCIN UI MEMBER’S PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE ON THE JCIN UI WEEK: DAY ONE WAS A WHIRLWIND OF FIRSTS!

Hello everyone! It feels surreal to finally be sharing this with you. This is “Diary of a Jaycee,” and over the next few days, I’ll be opening up about my personal ride through the recently concluded JCIN UI Week. We’re kicking things off with Day One – a day filled with anticipation, a few surprises, and the undeniable spark that marked the beginning of something truly special. So, come along with me!

By: Kabirat Ojo

Dear Diary,
Wow, JCIN UI Week day one was definitely a whirlwind of emotions and firsts. Honestly, getting ready was a bit of a panic. The dress code – “business casual with a touch of my family color” – sounded simple enough, but trying to find something that fit the bill in my crammed wardrobe felt like a mission impossible! After what felt like an hour of rummaging, I finally settled on my comfortable jean trousers, a classic black round neck, and my go-to green and black jacket. With my black shoes and a touch of silver from my necklace, I finally felt somewhat presentable.

I grabbed my bag, my heart a little fluttery with anticipation, and headed out. It was already 1:15 PM, and a tiny wave of anxiety washed over me “would I make it on time?” i questioned myself on my way to the Technology Lecture Theater. On getting to the Student’s Union Building (SUB, I was met with a pleasant surprise! I coincidentally bumped into the EVP Internal, director of travels and tour and a family head. A quick greeting, a shared smile, and i felt a little boost, a sense of belonging even before i reached the main event.

Finally, I arrived at 1:50 PM, a mix of relief and excitement washing over me. First order of business: attendance. Then, the fun part – picking a number. My hand delved into the bag, and I pulled out number 66! A little thrill went through me. As I stood there, still clutching my number, I spotted my family head wearing a JCIN UI Week merchandise shirts. Everyone looked so vibrant in their shirts; I felt a pang of longing, wishing I’d gotten mine. I found a spot right in the middle of the hall, taking in the growing buzz of anticipation.
The meeting officially kicked off around 2:10 PM, and a hush fell over the crowd. Our local organisation president began, setting the tone for the week by reminding us of JCIN UI’s values and the crucial code of conduct. The general secretary followed, guiding us through the last meeting’s deliberations. We had incredible speakers: JCIN Sen.Olawale Wahab, whose presence commanded respect, and Miss Omobonlale, the dynamic president of the Student Finance Club, along with a respected alumni from bello hall.The meeting flowed with a surprising energy.
What truly struck me was the passion behind the plan of action presentations. The director of training and individual opportunities, director of content and publicity, director of socials and welfare, and others laid out their visions with such enthusiasm. I couldn’t help but voice my thoughts, even commenting on some of their plans. But then, a moment of frustration: the director of travels and tour seemed a little…unorganized with their plan of action. I felt a surge of responsibility, and without much hesitation, I actually moved a motion for a fine of ₦300 to be paid by the director! He paid it before he could speak, and a quiet sense of satisfaction settled over me – rules are rules, after all.

Then, the moment we’d all been waiting for. Taiwo Olanlesi Odusote, our Local Organisation President, officially  declared the start of JCIN UI Week! Her words resonated deeply as she spoke about the theme: “42 Years in the Spotlight: Charting the Paths Ahead.” She poured her heart into explaining the significance of this week, and with that, the energy in the room visibly shifted – the event had truly begun!
After the excitement of the opening, JCIN Sen. Olawale Wahab took the stage for his guest address. He spoke with such wisdom about JCI, emphasizing the profound importance of working together as a family. His words painted a clear picture of the organized, supportive structure that defines JCI, and I felt a renewed sense of pride in being part of it.

Next, the finance section began, featuring three truly insightful panelists: Miss Omobolale, whose energy was infectious, JCIN Cllr. Afolabi Nasurudeen and Mr. Fashola Olaniyi. Miss Aisha director of growth and retention, did a fantastic job moderating the panel session. It was truly an insightful discussions from the entrepreneurial, technological, and student welfare perspectives. Miss omobolale’s advice on drafting a stellar CV and acing interviews felt so practical and empowering. Mr fashola shared his raw, honest journey into tech, emphasizing the power of networking. And the lastly JCIN Cllr. Afolabi Nasurudeen’s passionate plea to “just start now,” build ourselves and surround ourselves with good friends truly hit home. I felt a surge of inspiration, ready to tackle my own ambitions. Later, a simple but welcome refreshment break: a bottle of water and a Gala, kindly sponsored by UAC Foods. A small moment of reprieve to recharge before the final stretch.

To cap off the incredible day, the awards ceremony began. Finalists and guest speakers were honored, and then came the announcement for the ten most punctual JCIN UI members! My heart gave a little flutter. They asked the executive member to pick a new number — it was a raffle draw, incredibly and miraculously, they picked 66 — My number! A wave of pure joy and disbelief washed over me.Then i took beautiful pictures with my family as well because what’s a GA without taking memorable pictures? What an amazing way to begin the JCIN UI week’s first day!

Stayed tuned for more entries!