My choice matters please!

The School Principal's Address

The next day being Monday;a new week has begun and that week was the deadline for Jamb registration, because after that week , registration would be officially closed.Ade left for school early with Vera because being a new week ,they won't want to be late.

Ade don't you think you'd be late for the registration? Johnson asked.

My dear friend,I just arrived to school now ,please I don't want that to be a topic of discussion,Ade answered answered rather sarcastically.

But we're talking about your future here, besides I don't know the reason why you're yet to inform your parents, Johnson pressed on.

If you were being forced to study what you don't want, would you be happy to register for JAMB?Ade replied in a rather soft tone.

What!! but is your live Ade ,but am sorry to hear that,don't worry, I've gat your back.

The bell for morning assembly interrupted their discussion as they both rushed to their line.

The principal,a tall dark slender man,dressed in white long sleeve tucked into a black ironed trouser walked in and and the assembly ground became very quiet like a graveyard,one could even hear a pin drop.

Good morning students,

Good morning Sir,the students all replied.

I know you all will be wondering why am here today. Actually am here to specifically address SS3 .

SS3,hope you all know that registration is ending soon.

Each of you, endeavor to buy your forms and fill it carefully.

That form which seems like a piece of paper would mark a new beginning in your life.

The students chorused 'Amen!!'

The principal cleared his throat and continued; Don't just be in a rush to put any choice of institution.Reason very well first,discuss with your parents about your choice of university.

Before picking a particular school,consider the distance,their admission requirements,their tuition fees too. Most importantly, reconsider your course. Go to a quiet place and think again.Ask yourself,does my course resonates with my talents,goals and passion.I've said this countless times,'The only way to deliver your very best to your career life without loosing motivation easily,is to love what you do'.

That brings me to this question that I've been pondering on'can talent beat education '?

We live in a society where not every parent can afford to train their kids in a university, yet I agree every child is born with talent,while some nurture these talents,some try to avoid it,while some never realize theirs.

In a situation where parents can't train their ward in school,if that child realizes his talent and decides to learn more by being an apprentice to one who must have nurtured his skills without going to the University,will talent beat education?

Without that child going to university to gain more knowledge,will he still succeed in that field?What do you all think?

Sir! Angela ,the Head girl called while raising her hands.

Yes, let's hear you.

I think his talents would beat education.

Him going to learn as an apprentice would give him an opportunity to learn more practical aspects of that field.These days in school it's just theoretical aspects that are being taught.So,yes,if he puts his mind into it,his talents that was well nurtured will beat education.

That was so thoughtful of you Angela,the principal remarked .

Any other contrary opinion?

Yes sir,a boy said from the back.

Everyone turned towards him, and it was Ade.

Wow,someone else has something to say, that is a nice one.Okay go on.

Thanks for the opportunity to express myself, I agree that learning as an apprentice will give u an edge to learn practical aspects but don't forget it's still education that helped.Those theoretical aspects taught in the University is what is being utilized and put into practice.

I feel that instead of saying talents beat education,let's try to balance it.Both of them are vital and essential to the society because one can't do without the other,Thanks .

Every one was seen clapping and cheering for Ade.

The principal cleared the throat and the noise seized .

Ade , I must say that's so brilliant and matured of you.I love the fact that you acknowledged both talent and education, Kudos boy.

Everyone started clapping again because that was the first time anyone ever challenged Angela and won.

Angela just stood with her hands akimbo and watched him with admiration,his points were so soothing yet firm,she never knew he could be so intelligent.Well I like his style,she said within herself.

Angela what was with that look?Betty; Angela's friend asked.

What look please ?she replied rolling her eyes.

Ohh pleaseee,don't act like you don't know,I saw you staring at that boy, what's his name again sef...?

You mean Ade?

Ehennn ,yes Ade,see the way you remembered his name quickly,Betty said while giggling.

Of course why won't I remember someone that stole my heart.

Ouuuuu... Angela is in love.I thought You must have felt humiliated.

No oo,of course not,rather I fell in love.And you know I can't postpone or hide my love right?So , I'll let him know.

Take it easy lover girl, besides he's not even interested in you.

Soo?my dear Betty, I'll let my love known soon maybe after our waec exams ,who knows.For the mean time, I'll try being friends with him .

Okay Angela, I'll always have your back anything you want to do ,am with you.

Thanks so much Betty.

My guy ,I was proud of you today on the line,you performed incredibly, my shoulder went high when I remembered U're my friend, Johnson told Ade.

I know right,don't worry I'll keep making you proud.

Bell for school dismissal rang, and everyone started going home to their various homes.

While Ade and his sister walked home together,he was just quiet while thinking of all his principal has said.With all that his principal said during his address,he decided to change his mind and discuss with his parents about his course for the last time. But one thing was sure he'd register for the jamb .