Things You Could Do While ASUU is on strike

It would be safe to say that when the news of an impending and now happening ASUU strike broke out, the question 'Another one again!?' popped up in the heads of some of us. No, we aren't referring to the last 2013 strike but actually to the protest staged this same month last year before it occurred to us that this was nationwide and not just an internal strike. The Academic Staff Union of Universities strike! That's definitely a big deal and since we all know how these things tend to drag for long, it would be smart if we take measures that ensure that this strike yields something positive for us instead of just sitting at home and hoping that it would be called off one day till the whole period is gone just as it was the case with most of us during the protest break. We were all scared of securing a job, starting a training because we didn't want to be on the losing end if the resumption date is suddenly announced. That's actually logical but then it is Life and Life is all about taking risks and then the paramount question we should always ask ourselves "If Not Now, When?" Some if not most of us already have businesses that we have to promote and brands to build so that's more time to do that but for those of us who don't, here's a helpful list of what to do to while away time productively

1.GET A JOB : Cliché much but apart from the obvious and major reason which is getting paid, you get to have something additional for your CV. These days, no job is too small to make it to your CV, all you just have to do is link it to an important life skill and who knows, it may be what makes you stand out from others

2. ACQUIRE / BRUSH  UP THAT SKILL : Yes, the one you have lots of interest or better still, brush up on the ones you already have. You can then go on to be an entrepreneur or become more employable as the case may be.

3. START A BUSINESS : It's probably safe to say that most students with interest in the business world have one or two businesses on their hands already. Wondering why? Well, these are the days of multiple sources of income so stop thinking about it too much, stop worrying that there are too many people in that field, don't allow the fact that your neighbour is into the same line hinder you from doing what you're passionate about and just simply do it.

4. INTERN IN AN ORGANISATION : This could have gone under the get a job profile but then most internship opportunities do not pay so the major purpose of this wouldn't be to make money as the case is with getting a job but actually to gain more experience in your field of study.

5.LEARN A NEW LANGUAGE : You're probably wondering how feasible this is which is alright. It really is feasible with a lot of passion and diligence so if you have these two items and more, go for it. There are sites online to aid this process such as Coursera.com

6.GET A NEW HOBBY : One that is healthy, makes you a better person, affects other people positively. Also one that can make you more employable if you're thinking working a 9-5 after school. For example travelling and reading. These would widen your thinking horizon.

7. ATTEND EVENTS: Seminars, workshops that are beneficial. Events that would allow you network and meet new people. Some might require money, some might not. Whichever it is, just have fun and remember there's always something to learn in every event.

8. VOLUNTEER : There are quite a number of volunteering opportunities these days as more and more people are creating NGOs. All you have to do in most cases is apply, maybe undergo screening and voila! it's done. Also in reference to the point above, you can choose to volunteer at events and if it's an event you have to pay to attend, you'd get a free entry. Just like that!

9.SET AN ACHIEVABLE GOAL: In any or every area of your life. It could be to gain or lose 5kg throughout the period of the strike or for a stipulated time frame. To write a book, do makeover for say not less than 30 people if you're a MUA,travel and explore certain places and lots more. The important thing is to write it down and have enough determination to follow it through.

Whatever you'd be participating in during the strike,do it well and while you're at it, as the Internet says, don't forget to "Drink water, mind your business and Glow".