I was approached by the owner of this blog to share some of my personal and professional journeys and experiences and whilst the thought of sharing my own story or experience was flattering, I was also stuck on the painful idea of where to actually begin as there appears to be quite a bit to tell but much little space to share such experiences. Well, I’ll share some of my background with you but also some of what I have learnt along the way.
My journey began many years ago in Nigeria; I grew up in Northern Nigeria where I had an excellent experience contrary to the misconceptions of what the North of Nigeria is all about today. The North of Nigeria is blessed with many things; culture, landmass, food and drinks (traditional – kunu, zobo, fura, masa etc.) Whilst in the North, I had my early school years (primary and secondary school) and then proceeded to study medicine at a new medical school in the South East of Nigeria. This was a contrast in experience as culturally these two regions whilst in the same country are also different in terms of language, mannerisms, cultural beliefs and etiquette (story for another day). As a pre-medical student, I was once asked why I decided to study medicine and very smugly I said, I wanted to able to find cures for diseases such as HIV etc. (I’ll come back to that later!)…well a few strikes after, some delays during my medical program and voilà I left Nigeria in frustration with the aim of continuing study for a degree in medicine in the United Kingdom.
To cut the long story short, I didn’t get to study medicine after all: which was not by choice but by design. Well, design because getting into medical studies in the United Kingdom is not as straightforward and easy regardless of how many A’s you have. Also the other requirements outside the qualifications are things I was unaware of and unprepared for. So I studied Biomedical Sciences and as someone who had early education in a different country, my experience was not the easiest neither was it the smoothest as I had to adapt to a new culture, way of learning and work my way through university on minimum wage and just on the odd occasion had time to enjoy the air around me (at that time it was a huge luxury).
Now fast forward many years, postgraduate degrees to hand and now working as an academic and scientific researcher. Remember, I said I’ll come back to my “then” naive comments about seeking cures for diseases. That is now what I am doing. I might be working with different types of microorganisms and pathogens but applying the same scientific principles those of us in this field are technically doing the same thing; seeking ways to control pathogens and reduce the burden of infectious diseases. Why is this important? Well it forms the basis of one of the key lessons I have learnt over time i.e. the importance of having a dream and that regardless of circumstance, no dream is too big. The words I spoke many years ago is now the life I live and something I go to sleep thinking about and one of the first thoughts I have when I wake up. I do enjoy being a scientist but more than anything else, I enjoy being an academic where I get the opportunity to give back.
So about my research? I study the effects of conventional and existing treatments such as antibiotics and other novel compounds such as plant based compounds (essential oils), honey, and peptides on infection causing bacterial and fungal pathogens such as Candida sp., MRSA, spore forming Clostridium difficile etc. I also study behavioural patterns and rationale for use and abuse of antibiotics as it is now a major global problem. These are some of the interesting aspects of my diverse research interests. Now whilst all of these sound glamorous and exotic, believe me when I say, it is a demanding and challenging venture and more importantly, it is part of a long process.
Lao Tzu, Chinese Philosopher and the founding father of Taoism said, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”. Getting to the point where I can reflect and speak fondly of challenges and good situations is as a result of the long hard slug of many years. Days when the question facing me was whether my last pennies would be to get on a bus to school or buy the “last meal” and walk many miles or times when ridicule, discrimination or just unconscious ignorance were the determinants for whether I was interviewed or allowed to show my abilities or not. This brings me to a key lesson (#2) which I learnt along the way i.e. the value of perseverance and persistence. These two Ps are an important cocktail for personal and professional success. Theodore Roosevelt the 26th President of the United States said “Nothing in the world is worth having or worth doing unless it means effort, pain, difficulty…” knowing that, to have real achievements, it comes with sacrifice. Ask anyone who you know has achieved something great and they will show you how many pots of sweat they collected.
Now, reflecting on my journey and career till date, one of the things I have learnt is also one of the simplest things in life. It is the importance of a vision. Earlier I spoke about the importance of having a dream. Some people might see both a dream and a vision as one and the same thing however, what I have learnt is alongside these, is the value of having the means or a team around you (if you are a leader) to fulfil that dream or vision.
Recently, I have been speaking about the importance of positioning. You have to be at the right place at the right time. That for me ladies and gentlemen is important if you want to succeed in today’s world. Sometimes getting into the right situations or positions is like playing a great game of chess…you have to be smart and you have to think moves ahead and getting into the right boxes whilst being ready to take a hit and starting all over again. It goes hand in hand with our ability to network. Who you know and who knows you back is an important tool in finding your way to your chosen path or career objective. http://aspiringprofessionalshub.com/2015/05/25/who-you-know-matters-and-who-knows-you-matters-even-more/
Right now I co-own a globally read professional blog (Aspiring Professionals Hub – APH) www.aspiringprofessionalshub.com and on the hub we have a key mantra “begin with the end in mind”. Having foresight is a great thing. Whatever it is you decide to do, dream big, have a vision and a focus and be strong. Billy Ocean, a popular 80’s musician had a big hit single titled “when the going gets tough, the tough get going”. Finally whatever you do, have fun and keep a smile on your face…just when you think you are having it soo bad, stop, take stock and imagine others who would give an arm and a leg to be you. I still see myself as one “in the process” and in the words of Nobel-Prize and Oscar-winning playwright, George Bernard Shaw “Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.” Go create yourself and make history while you are at it!
Emmanuel Adukwu
Academic, Researcher and Co-Owner APH
The Loretta reveals team marvel at how humbly Dr Emmanuel Adukwu has summarised his work in Biomedical science and Public Health. He is excelling in these incredibly fascinating areas teaching and carrying out exciting research. The first time we watched him speak at a Conference in the United Kingdom, was an opportunity to see a man who thoroughly loves what he does, conveying his thoughts and complex work in a simple effortlessly manner to a diverse audience. His opportunity to contribute to the development of healthcare and household products as well as improving the health and wellbeing of people worldwide is definitely one that he has enjoyed so far. Someday, we will not be surprised when the world wakes up to the news of a major breakthrough following the work by you know who.