After 28 years the Department of Physical and Health Education of Obafemi Awolowo University , Ile-Ife, Nigeria produces a first class student- Meet Dania Eunice who was able to balance her allegiance to her academics and passion for dancing.


Hi there! Guess who we have got on this space ? Miss Dania Eunice, A creative dancer,
physiologist and what else? She is a fitness instructor! In our interview with her, she shares among many things, her experience in university, the challenges she faced, reading for 48 hours! Isn’t that strange?

You really should read this. Enjoy!



Greens :
CAN WE MEET YOU?

Dania :
My name is Dania Eunice. I am a purpose-driven, passionate, ambitious and creative individual who possesses a drive for quality, loves to inspire and motivate people. I am an exercise physiologist, fitness instructor, consultant, speaker and writer.

Greens:
WHAT IS THE CUMULATIVE GRADE YOU GRADUATED WITH?

Dania :
I graduated with a CGPA of 4.53.It was very difficult attaining it because my department had not produce a first class in 28 years.

Greens:
CAN YOU SHARE SOME OF YOUR EXPERIENCES AT OBAFEMI AWOLOWO UNIVERSITY , NIGERIA ?

Dania :
My experience at OAU was exciting and at the same time challenging because I was involved in activities that I love and at the same time, were demanding. These were activities that involved my academics and dancing. I loved reading, writing and dancing. They challenged me in all aspects of life. And I wanted the best from both worlds. The challenge was striking a balance between these worlds.


Greens:
BEING A DANCER HOW EASY IT IS TO BECOME A FIRST CLASS GRADUATE?

Dania :
It sure wasn’t easy combining both. My primary assignment was my academics but I also loved dancing. I had to do everything I can to make sure one was not suffering. This took prayer, discipline, handwork and commitment.

Greens:
 HAVE YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO STUDY PHYSICAL AND HEALTH EDUCATION?

Dania :
NO.I wanted to study international Relations but I was given Physical and Health Education. I had always believed in this philosophy: Whatsoever your hand findeth to do, do it well. I stuck with PHE, began to love it and gave it my all.

Greens:
WAS IT EVER YOUR PLAN TO GRADUATE WITH A FIRST CLASS?

Dania :
YES. I’m sure, every student’s plan is to acquire the best grades.

Greens:
WHAT DID YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR COURSE AND WHICH PART DID YOU FIND CHALLENGING?

Dania:
I enjoyed the student-student and lecturer-student relationship which helped in creating a safe and friendly environment for students to work. Every part was challenging. It just depends on how an individual sees a challenge. I see it as a stepping stone and an avenue to build myself.

Greens :
WHAT WAS THE GREATEST SACRIFICE/COMMITMENT AND EXTRA EFFORT YOU MADE IN THE YOUR STUDIES?

Dania :
The greatest sacrifice was reading 48 hours at a stretch.

Greens :
WOULD YOU SAY YOU WERE A GENIUS OR YOU WERE A PRODUCT OF HARDWORK?

Dania :
Laughs, Am a product of grace and hardwork.Even geniuses had to put in the work to become one.


Greens: WHAT WAS YOUR DREAM AS A YOUNG CHILD?

Dania :
My dream was majorly to stand out and inspire people positively in whatever I do.

Greens : WHEN WAS YOUR HAPPIEST MOMENT?

Dania:
My happiest moment was when I saw my
final result and when I danced at ASO rock in the presence of President Good luck Jonathan.


Greens : WHAT’S YOUR CHARGE FOR YOUTHS OUT THERE?

Dania :
Discipline and commitment is very important in anything one is doing. Every individual is unique in his or her learning style, rate and abilities that makes him or her standout. Discover those abilities and put them to use, understand you’re your uniqueness, have a daily plan according to order of importance to you, capitalize on your strength and improve on your weakness.

Greens :
What is your advice for parents who sees activities like dancing, singing, acting etc as a distraction

Dania :
Parents should understand that these activities are not distractions. If we look at the world now, we will see how ppl are gaining so much recognition from these activities. They help mould and shapen thought patterns, provide platforms, give exposure and will challenge their children physically, socially and mentally.


My name is Dania, and here's my Green Story.



There's this popular Yoruba adage that says that Eniyan kole ko iron meji Bo Ina.
Meaning, one cannot put two metal inside fire at the same time.

But Dania has proved this adage wrong that it is possible to do that.

It is very possible to chase to great quest at the same time and still triumph.

All one needs is perseverance, diligence, patience, faith, dedication...... The list seems endless.

Photo credits: Dania Eunice