Abel Ndooka
Latwell Nyangu
Youth Interactive Writer
AS I walk the familiar paths of academia, one thought that keeps echoing in my mind is, don’t be brainless students.
Now, don’t mistake my words for cynicism, I am not talking about being dull as in joy, creativity, or curiosity, those are treasures of student life.
The “lack of common sense” I am warning against is the kind that holds you back, that veils potential and that keeps the future at bay.
Too often, students let the brainless stop them from doing their best at all.
College is not just about academic success but it’s about learning to thrive holistically.
Lest we forget that university life is a whirlwind of experiences, a medley of triumphs and trials, late-night outings and last-minute panic.
For students to balance this journey, it’s easy to dwell on setbacks and overlook victories, no matter how small.
But as we step into a new year, perhaps it’s time to shift our perspective.
Let’s count more wins than losses and avoid being mindless.
As this new year unfolds, I challenge you, dear students, to reflect deeply.
Of course, New Year’s resolutions are in full swing and optimism feels almost tangible.
This year, Campus Reflections marks three years under this writer and the journey has been incredible.
Some of the critics of this column have hinted that I will run out of ideas and they have been waiting to see it running dry but interestingly, we are here today.
I challenged them, that as long I don’t write fiction, it will survive even to the next writers.
I write what I see and it happens every day, whether good or bad.
As I reflect, on this year, avoid being notorious to avoid regrets.
Some of us failed to make it, some have regrets, and some are nursing wounds.
Some are in jail while some never counted any win due to unintelligent decisions.
Fellow students, in the life of a student, not every grade will be an A, not every opportunity will materialise, and not every plan will go as expected. But each challenge carries a lesson, and every day holds a win if you look closely enough.
Wins don’t have to be monumental to matter and you need not to be foolish to count more wins.
Remember, growth happens at the edges of your comfort zone. A stumble is not a step backward but it’s part of moving forward.
We can’t talk of perfectionism in the life of a student.
Perfectionism is a trap in academic life, and things are made worse by the relentless pressures of social media.
It’s easy to think everyone else has it all figured out when their highlight reels flash by.
But real success comes from persistence, not perfection, and avoiding bad moves.
The voyage of academic life is quite hectic and I hope we all made it into 2025 for a purpose.
Don’t be a rude, brainless student.
The most dangerous of all is to ignore balance.
Campus life is often painted as a utopia of learning, laughter and limitless freedom.
While these moments are undeniably part of the journey, there’s another reality we don’t discuss enough, the subtle, sometimes stark, challenges that come with independence.
In this fast-paced world, where risks are abundant, the adage ‘better be safe than sorry’ rings truer than ever for students.
Most students are in soup today because of silly stances but vigilance is still essential for every student.
You need to build a support system of friends and mentors who can provide a safe space for your thoughts and struggles.
Ambition is admirable, but overloading yourself with commitments can backfire, while forgetting the purpose of going to college can also be costly.
The phrase better be safe than sorry might sound old-fashioned, but it carries wisdom that can guide you through campus life.
Being safe doesn’t mean living in fear, it means being aware, prepared and proactive.
For students, losses often feel heavier than wins, lingering in our minds and shaping our self-worth.
That failed exam could be a wake-up call to refine your study habits.
I know some of us are repeating some failed modules because they made wrong moves.
University is not about avoiding losses but it’s about learning how to turn them into stepping stones.
When you complete an assignment ahead of schedule, resist procrastination, or support a friend in need, you’re laying the foundation for larger successes.
Recognising these wins creates a positive ripple effect, boosting confidence and resilience.
Many students fall into the perfectionist trap, believing only flawless achievements count as wins.
But life at college isn’t perfect, and progress is worth celebrating.
University isn’t just a series of checkpoints, it’s a journey.
When you avoid being brainless, you can be a better student. When you focus solely on losses, you miss the beauty of the ride.
Look for joy in the moments that can’t be measured, late-night outings with friends, discovering a passion, or even the thrill of conquering a daunting project.
But in the end, don’t be unintelligent. As we move through this academic year, let’s remember that being mindless will cost us our best moments at college.
Life at university is a balance of wins and losses, and we have the power to tip the scale.
Count your wins, big and small, and let them remind you that you don’t fall into bad traps.
I wish you a year of wisdom, laughter, and purpose.
This year we should meet for a toast.
Until we meet for a toast.
Feedback nyangu.latwell27@gmail.com
