How I was nicknamed ‘Atom’ By Tiana Owolabi

FOR those of us that have fixed seat at the front roll of the class or the front roll is always reserved for us, gather here, let’s have a round table discussion.

During my junior secondary school days, I had a unique stature that if you aren’t careful, you might mistake me for someone in JSS1, whereas I was in JSS3.

My short stature gave me that uniqueness of always sitting at the front roll. (I cannot carry over that front roll course)

I carried this unique and portable stature till my secondary school days and guess what…. I was given different nicknames.

(Before you tell me what is coming to your mind concerning the name, let me tell you quickly)

Yes, I was nicknamed. Some of my classmates would call me “SMALLIE” and some would call me “ATOM”.

I got the name “Atom” due to my stature.

How I disliked it when they call me “Atom”.

For science students, we can relate with the definition of Atom as “the smallest particle or unit of a matter”.

Of all the names they can give me, they chose to call me “Atom”.

You know some classmates can be very funny and disturbing. No matter how many times you complain, they will continue to call you that name.

So, ask me this question

Do I let that nickname bother me? NO. Though, I didn’t like the name but that didn’t stop me from working towards the goals I had in mind.

Friends, you have no excuse to give up on your goals now.

What names have people called you because you are DIFFERENT from them?

Chubby, Tiny, Dull, Skinny, I too know, Rough, Olodo, Duduyemi etc.

Did the name stick to your skin? … NO.

What names have they given you and you allowed it to affect your self-worth?

You don’t have to stoop low or bend yourself to fit what you are not. It’s better you start accepting the things you can’t change.

Irrespective of your shape, size or skin colour, God created in His own image. You are beautiful and handsome the way you are. Begin to walk in that Grace.

Accept your uniqueness. You won’t believe there are people that even want to be like you.

Appreciate your self-worth. You are worth more than GOLD. (Take a moment to say some positive affirmations to yourself).

I hope this helps you.

Guess what???…  I was even given another nickname during organic chemistry class because of my real name…. I was nicknamed “Toluene”. People will always give you names.

THE EFFECT OF THAT LITTLE THING I DID ON THE ASSEMBLY GROUND

How did you feel the first time you spoke in front of the crowd?

Have you been called out of the assembly ground before? How did you feel?

Did you remember the experience?

I can never forget that experience. I remembered mine vividly.

What this my small stature has caused me ehn, only my body can tell.

As usual, on the assembly ground, we are required to line up orderly according to our heights. The front roll is always reserved for people with unique stature like us.

That particular day, we just finished listening to a moral talk from a speaker. (There are people that come to my school to motivate us on some days)

After the talk, the teacher on duty, principal or the vice principal would appreciate the speaker for the act.

Something happened on that day that made my heart beat repeatedly. (How will I not remember that day?)

The vice principal called me out because I was standing at the front roll. So, she called me out to appreciate the speaker on behalf of the entire school.

Yeeehhh… It was as if the ground should just open and swallow….. But you know what, I DID IT because I had no choice than to obey the school authority.

I DID IT AFRAID. I did it eventually.

This is where I’m going exactly

Do you know the effect of that little thing I did on that day?

It built my confidence. It helped me realize one of the simplest ways to overcome shyness.

As someone who is ready to learn, DON’T BE RELUCTANT TO TAKE LITTLE TASK SO THAT YOU CAN GROW.

Over the years, I have considered everywhere I am as a training ground for where God is taking me to. So, I always open myself to learn from people.

Don’t be forming “too tush or posh” when you can do something right.

Don’t be too big to take up small task. If you don’t take up small task and learn from it, how will you be able to manage a bigger one?

Look for avenues to grow and water the abilities that God has given to you.

You can be better than you are now.

As minute as sweeping the floor of the classroom or sitting room is, there is a lesson it is teaching you.

LEARN AND GROW DAILY.

I hope this helps you.

Thanks for reading. You are AMAZING.

Feel free to share, drop your contributions and questions in the comment section or my inbox.

© Tiana Owolabi (08068221976)