Last week, some volunteers of Young at Heart Ghana were based in Asiafo Amanfro in the Eastern region for the weeklong ICT Summer Camp a.k.a. #CampLIT (Learn, Innovate, Test).

On the Thursday evening of the Camp, there was a mini-seminar dubbed “After School Vibes.” As the name suggests, it was a time for alumni volunteers present to share their experience and the lessons they’ve picked up along the way.

There was something unique about this mini-seminar. Volunteers sat in a big circle and it was held over an imaginary barbecue. Each volunteer was expected to make a contribution towards this barbecue.

The interesting part of it was that the first letter of what you intend to contribute should be the same as the first letter of your name. The things some volunteers decided to contribute was just breathtaking.

Here is a list of all volunteers who were present at the mini-seminar and the item each contributed to the imaginary barbecue. Below the list is a recap of the lessons that were shared during the mini-seminar.

Judith – Jolly Juice

Etornam – Eba and Egushi stew

Anita – Alewa

Doris – Don Simon

Victor (Ayertey)  – Vinegar

Samuel – Sobolo

Afram – Alansa

Dorcas – Duck

Francis(Images) – Fish

Paul – Pork

Senanu – Salt

Mansa Bubune – Meat

Rita – Radio

Bernard – Burner

Dwinnie – Dancing shoes

Nana Nyame – Nantwi nam (Cowleg)

Sarah – Sticks for kebab

Bernice – Beef

Victor – Vodka

Philip – Palm wine

Prince – Pizza

Benjamin – Bottled water

Linda – Lobsters

Tina – Tequila

Jay – Jerky meat

Bertha – Brandy

Martin – Martini and Monk)

Now, to the lessons. Jay Marie and Martin led the discussions and there was time for questions and answers as well. A number of lessons were shared. For the purpose of this recap, I’ve highlighted ten of them.

Thoughts Shared By Jay Marie.
1. Life after school can be summarised in 3 words; “Identifying your opportunities.” Wherever you find yourself after your undergraduate studies, there will always be countless opportunities to create a better life for yourself. It is your responsibility to be open minded, identify these opportunities and take advantage of them.

2. Allow God to be involved in your life. Work that relationship with God and keep it fresh always.

3. There’s usually a sense of entitlement after school. But do keep in mind that no one owes you anything simply because you have a degree or diploma.

4. Take advice but wiegh them against your personal interest. (As long as it’s not illegal, there’s nothing wrong with going against what seems to be normal)

5. Relationships: This seems to be a very unpredictable aspect of our lives. Mindsets change, priorities change and people change too. Since marriage is a lifetime commitment, if you find yourself in a relationship that causes you to consistently compromise your values, you should be courageous to call it quit. “A failed relationship is always better than a failed marriage”.

6. Always have goals, and be taking steps towards accomplishing them.

Thoughts Shared By Martin Bruce Jnr.

07. Wherever you find yourself posted for National Service, do well to excel regardless of the tasks you’re required to perform.

08. On Financial Discipline; Always save before spending. Set a percentage against your income for that purpose. And consider your savings as statutory payment. Learn this practice and make it a habit ASAP.

09. Work hard, but learn to pause once in a while to chill and enjoy life.

Thoughts Shared By Bubune, Images, Nana Nyame et al.

10. Be deliberate about building your social capital(network). No man is an island. Be nice to the people you meet. It doesn’t cost much to be nice, but one of these days, you will be glad you did.

PS: I’m looking forward to the day the team will have the real barbecue.