Mary Jesulade’s Post

POSSIBLE OR IMPOSSIBLE? You call the shots! 💯 Gaining admission into the University did not come easy for me and when I eventually did, it was as though all hell was let loose. Starting from the registration period, everyone I came across had something cynical to say about my department. It was no news in school that my department had a reputation of being difficult and had not produced any First-class graduate since its inception in the year 2000. It got so bad I consciously had to stop telling people my department to avoid the drama and negative flow of words that would follow. At first, things people said almost got at me, but then I told myself this truth: "People will always air their opinion on subject matters, but it's left to you to manage these opinions the best way you can and prove them right or wrong" With God on my side, I told myself I was going to do the unimaginable and achieve the so-called impossible feat. One thing I realized early enough was that "success and failure start from the mind". I put in measures to guard my mind and tune out all negativity. When I received my first-semester result, it was sufficient motivation to continue the journey. When I resumed 200 level, some senior colleagues on getting to know about my 100 level result advised me to cross to another department so that I could safeguard my First class result and graduate with it. Nonetheless, I was convinced beyond doubt that I was in the right department and that I would emerge as the pioneer First class graduate. Events took a twist as my CGPA kept decreasing from 100level 2nd semester and at the end of 300level 2nd semester, I was at the brink of dropping into Second Class. Was I afraid at this point? Yes!!! Did I consider giving up on my dream? NO!!! I kept working hard, putting in my very best. A ray of hope came along with my 400level 1st-semester result as my CGPA increased for the very first time by 0.01. Oh my... fresh zeal and aim became the driving force. The end was in sight and my dream was about to be born. The journey continued alongside several issues, a prominent one was having to undergo surgery in my final semester which went haywire when the surgical site refused to heal up for about 2 months. I was in pain preparing for my final exams. But in all, I could see the reliable hand of God working everything out beautifully for me. When I received my 500level 2nd-semester result, the area titled "cumulative class" had boldly written beneath it "FIRST CLASS". The first-ever in the history of the Biochemistry Department. At last, it manifested, the dream was actualized and I can't thank God enough because assuredly, I wouldn't have made it but for his mercy and grace. These words of mine shaped me: "Never permit anyone to determine what you can or cannot do, what you can or cannot achieve. You alone should do that!" "Always remember that your mind is your greatest weapon, ensure to wield it properly." #success #positivemindset

Nothing beats the power of self-determination/motivation 💯 There is only but little others can do to encourage you, the bulk of the work lies on you. Dare to push yourself beyond your "so-called" limits. Not despising the good effort of others, notwithstanding the unfavorable status quo, know that your success is solely dependent on you and YOU ALONE. ✨✨✨ #success #selfmotivation #selfmade #mindsetchange

Thank you for following through.

DAY 30 OF 30 BE A RESPONSIBLE CONSUMER Irresponsible consumption of food has been the cause of several global challenges; food insecurity, depletion of natural resources, and deterioration of planetary health. A sustainable consumer is one who puts into consideration the impacts of his/her attitude of consumption on human and planetary health. Are you wondering how the little positive change of your attitude towards foods can make a difference? Try to imagine what will be the result of one million people like yourself refusing to throw away food, teaching their families to be socially and environmentally responsible, donating surplus food to the needy, choosing to buy the 'ugly' farm produce. There will be a huge difference. Global food security can only be achieved when we all embrace sustainable consumption. #SparetoSave #Endfoodwaste #endhunger #SDG2 #SDG12 #FAO #Zerofoodwasteinitiative

DAY 29 OF 30 GROW A GARDEN Food scraps such as vegetable and fruit waste can be a source of food for the family when recycled into new plants. Gardening involves the cultivation of a small piece of land near the home for the production of essential farm produce such as vegetables, spices, herbs, and fruits to feed the family and also produce supplementary income. Growing an entirely new plant from kitchen scraps is fun and a simple way of converting waste to wealth. Why You Should Grow a Garden. Less food waste; when you put in efforts to grow a garden, you are more likely to value its products than the ones you purchased from the store. Safer food; Produce from your garden is safer as it erases the worry about contamination from the farms and during delivery. Great food taste; Nothing tastes better than the fresh, homegrown fruits, vegetables, and herbs. They do not stay on the shelf thus will give the exact flavor that comes with fresh farm produce. #SparetoSave #Endfoodwaste #endhunger #SDG2 #SDG12 #FAO #Zerofoodwasteinitiative

DAY 28 OF 30 COMPOSTING Composting is a way of reducing household food waste. It is beneficial to environmental sustainability, food security, and sustainable agriculture. It helps to enrich the soil as it cleans up contaminated soils by absorbing odors, regenerates poor soils, and eliminates the use of chemical-based fertilizers. Even if you do not have a farm, your community can benefit from the compost. Simple Steps for Making Compost. 1. Cut off the bottom of a composting or waste bin of your desired size and place it directly under the sun. 2. Lay twigs or straw, a few inches deep. 3. Add compost materials in layers, alternating moist and dry waste materials. 4. Add green waste; vegetable and fruit scraps, manure from herbivores such as cows and rabbits, and chickens (omnivore). 5. Cover with wood or plastic sheets. 6. Turn every few weeks with a shovel. The waste pile becomes compost between 9-12 months, therefore, it is advisable to use a strong and large-sized compost or waste bin. #SparetoSave #Endfoodwaste #endhunger #SDG2 #SDG12 #FAO #Zerofoodwasteinitiative

DAY 27 OF 30 FEED TO LIVESTOCK Livestock animals help reduce food waste by converting the food into the meat, milk, eggs, and other animal products which are later consumed by humans. Food waste is given to animals after it is heat-treated and dried and either mixed with dry feed or fed directly. Food waste for animal feeding is one of the viable solutions that address the issues of waste management. They are palatable and nutritionally beneficial to animals. This can either be done by consumers who rear animals or donated to farmers who do so. Using food waste in livestock feeds can help farmers reduce feed costs and food waste generators reduce disposal costs while minimizing the environmental impacts of this waste as the conversion of food waste into animal feed will help reduce methane emissions from food waste. #SparetoSave #Endfoodwaste #endhunger #SDG2 #SDG12 #FAO #Zerofoodwasteinitiative

DAY 26 OF 30 DATE MARKING/LABEL 2 Date labels commonly found on food packaging are; Sell-by date: This refers to the date by which the food product must have been sold to the consumer or the last date at which it can be displayed for sales. It is solely meant for the retailers’ instruction. The food can still be bought but should be at a reduced price. Best if used by/Best before date: This is the date from which the food is no longer at its best quality. The food is safe for consumption but might have lost its nutrient, taste, freshness, or aroma. Use-By/Expiry date: this is the last date recommended for the consumption of the product. After this date, consuming the food might lead to food poisoning. The packaging is the only barrier that food manufacturers places between your food and its external environment, once it is removed, best before and expiry dates no longer holds and the quality and shelf life now depend on how you handle the food. #SparetoSave #Endfoodwaste #endhunger #SDG2 #SDG12 #FAO #Zerofoodwasteinitiative

DAY 25 OF 30 DATE MARKING/LABEL 1 One of the factors that significantly affect consumers’ decision to keep or to dispose of food is the date marking on the food packaging. Misinterpretation of data labels often leads to the disposal of foods that are still safe for consumption. Date labels are no longer valid once the packaging material has been unsealed or removed. This is because of the influence of air and moisture in the external environment on the food which often speeds up spoilage or leads to contamination. The date marking/labels used, differs with country and product at times as it is little or no consistency due to the absence of a regulatory body for date labels in many countries. The date labels used are; Use by/Expiry dates, Best if used by/Best before, and Sell-by dates, understanding their meaning will greatly reduce household food waste and help consumer develop a better purchasing habit. #SparetoSave #Endfoodwaste #endhunger #SDG2 #SDG12 #FAO #Zerofoodwasteinitiative