Vanessa Obiadika, a 21-year-old Mass Communication graduate of Lagos State University (LASU), has disclosed that the intense pressure she placed on herself to excel during her first year nearly wrecked her health before she eventually graduated with a 4.52 CGPA. In an interview with The Punch, Vanessa recounted how the expectations she set for herself left her stressed, exhausted, and noticeably thin, even though no external force was pushing her.
From a Modest Start to a First-Class Finish
Vanessa revealed that earning a first class was not part of her original plan when she resumed at LASU in 2023. She simply wanted to enjoy university life, build her media skills, and take advantage of opportunities outside the classroom. She gained admission in September 2022, but school did not officially resume until April 2023.
She began university with a 4.24 CGPA, which dipped slightly to 4.17 in her second semester. It was not until 200 level that her grades started improving consistently. By 300 level, she realised a first class was no longer impossible. In her final semester, she achieved a 4.84 GPA, with 'A's in every course except one B, which brought her final CGPA to 4.52.
Vanessa emphasised that graduating with a first class became a symbol of excellence rather than just academic success. "Beyond the result, graduating with a first class represents excellence to me. I believe that whatever I find myself doing, I should give it my best," she said.
The Physical Toll of Self-Imposed Pressure
The 21-year-old said the pressure she placed on herself during her first year at LASU left her stressed, exhausted, and visibly thin. While many people assume first-class graduates have everything figured out, Vanessa admitted that her biggest struggle came during her first year. Trying to balance academics with extracurricular activities left her mentally and physically exhausted.
She joined the Debate Society, attended tutorials, participated in different activities, and constantly felt she wasn't doing enough. That mindset eventually took a toll on her body. "That pressure eventually affected me physically. I was often drained and visibly stressed, and I became very thin. Nobody was putting that pressure on me; it came from the expectations I had placed on myself," she explained. She eventually learnt from 200 level that she could still pursue excellence without sacrificing her health and peace of mind.
Balancing Academics with Practical Skills
While studying at LASU, Vanessa balanced her academics with broadcasting, voiceover work, presenting, and content creation. Unlike the popular stereotype that first-class students spend all day reading, Vanessa said she was actively building a career while still in school. Instead of studying every day, she became more strategic. "When examinations approached, I put my extracurricular activities aside and focused almost entirely on my academics," she said.
Vanessa also challenged the belief that graduating with a first class automatically guarantees career success. According to her, employers now value practical skills just as much as academic performance. "A first-class result can open doors because it reflects qualities such as consistency, determination and discipline. However, it does not automatically mean you have all the practical skills required to succeed professionally," she noted. She stressed that Mass Communication graduates still need presentation skills, video editing, negotiation abilities, social media knowledge, and other digital skills to thrive in today's media industry.
Next Steps and a Lasting Lesson
After graduation, Vanessa enrolled at the National Broadcasting Academy, where she is currently studying presentation under the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN). She plans to proceed for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) while continuing her career as a voiceover artist and social media content strategist. Reflecting on her university journey, she believes the biggest lesson is that excellence should never come at the cost of one's wellbeing. "It also taught me that excellence does not have to come at the expense of my peace," she concluded.
