The panel discussion themed ‘My Life, My Path’- was another exciting aspect of the outreach, with panellists sharing personal experience and strategy on career choice and growth, work and life balance. Mrs Tolani Zainab, a cell biologist, medical doctor and event planner shared that “learning on the go” was her strategy for effectively acing these three specialties. She mentioned that taking the advice of her mother to learn a skill (beadmaking) proved very resourceful in paying their bills after she lost her dad. Moreso, she had learned about events planning and decorations at the NYSC SAED programme targeted at equipping corps members with entrepreneurial skills. 

Asked how teenagers could use their skills to develop the community, Ms. Prisca Onuegbu, underpinned that there was always something one could do very well, so there was at least one thing one can give back. She advised the girls not to limit themselves, to always be open and willing to learn anything at this young age and then specialise as they grow older. She also spotlighted the need to package one’s skills such that they are desirable.

Ms. Oyewumi Tolulope, an agricultural and environmental engineer, and a UI/UX designer, expressed that her flare for drawing at a young age led her into the related career paths of engineering and designing. Her success tips comprised “know yourself and what you want”, “surround yourself with like-minded people” “put learning first and money will flow in naturally”.

Commenting on how she has been able to achieve much success in the male-dominated fields of furniture making and fitness coaching, Ms. Kofoworola Toriola mentioned that it was important to “learn to show up, no matter what”, “take your time, pay your dues, and get your certificate” “be diligent, as success does not come easy”.

Significantly, the high rise of the panel discussion was that it was anchored by females who are highly educated, skilled, and accomplished professionals and entrepreneurs in the fields of medicine, engineering, web designing, event planning, health and fitness, furniture making, among others. This certainly had a positive impact on motivating the girls to pursue excellence and refuse to be restricted by their current environment, background or fears.