MY GROWTH STORY: FROM 100L TO 500L - FROM A LOST FRESHER TO A BIG BOY 17/09/2026

Hello Steemians,

I am @smilev, a 500 level student of B. Agriculture in JOSTUM, Makurdi. Today I want to share how I grew from 100 level to now.

^{MY 100l PHOTO}

My first day in the university was hectic. I entered university scared. I'm new to the environment I didn't know anyone in the school, no friends. I was always lost looking for Auditorium, lecture rooms and admin block.

^{My 200l}

God's so kind, I started socializing with people and I started making friends. I gist alot, involve in drama, music, sport and many things. Even in the student union. I contested for DOS and I won. It wasn't easy because I had 4 guys contesting for same office with me. But then I won.

^{My 300l}

There was an ugly incident that happened on campus one evening. Three students were kidnapped, which led to a protest and after the protest we went on 2 months break till further notice.I started helping my parents in their small vegetable farm behind the house. That was when I fell in love with farming. My CGPA was 2.6, I was not serious and I became so tired with school but still I knew very well I need to put more effort.

^{My 400l}

I did my SIWES on campus, right on the research farm in South core. I saw agriculture as business, and an opportunity not just course. I started my own small okra plot at the research farm with 20,000 naira I saved. My CGPA moved to 4.3. I started taking 100L students on tutorial classes because I love people growing with me.

My SIWES experience was so good. We had a lot of fun despite the stress and pain. Another sweet thing was when we received alert of 15,000 for our SIWES ohh what a joy.

^{My 500l}

Today I manage my own Cowpea, maize and okra research farm, I mentor and guide 4 juniors student, I am writing my project on soil fertility and okra growth, and I am now on Steemit to document my journey. From a boy who find it hard to find his way on campus to a man who can plant, manage, and harvest 1 plot alone.

The thing is being a B. Agricultural student is not easy at all. We all know how stressful farming is. The ups and downs, under rain, sun ohh my God!! Especially when it's time for our practical. But we keep going, struggling, believing in ourselves and God is helping.

- Always trust in God - Believe in yourself - Start small, and grow big - Be contented

Thank you for reading my story.