I was about nine years old at the time and my parents had just hired a private lesson teacher to coach me for the Almighty Common Entrance exams.

Mr Thandor had been our family lesson teacher when he coached my older siblings for common entrance two years before, so he was no stranger to the family.

He started with me for a few weeks and then asked my mum's permission to bring other children to the class.

He said that when we learn in a group we would all do better. I don't know if it was true or his way of making more money, but it paid off.

I found myself teaching those who didn't catch up fast. And everytime I explained to someone else, I understood the concept better.

Fast forward to secondary school. I played for the first three years. I will blame immaturity and sudden freedom from being in boarding school for it. But that is gist for another day.

I got my bearing in S.S.1 and started to excel academically. And again, I found myself teaching others that couldn't grasp the math techniques that seemed so easy to me. As I taught, I got better.

At age 17, I got admitted to study Architecture in the university, in far away Ekpoma. I was the youngest in my class, but they all soon came to me to photocopy my notes because I had the most comprehensive notes in class.

Sometimes, someone would ask a question, and I would teach. Before long, I was hosting tutorials for my classmates. On calculation related courses. And everything else I knew.

As I taught, I became better.

When I decided to write my architecture professional exams, I signed up for a four-month tutorial class. I learnt all that I coul

d. And as s

oon as anyone asked me a question, I would enter teaching mode.

I went on to emerge the best in country for those exams, out of over 200 candidates. An exam I attempted ten years after graduation, with a full time job and while caring for three children.

(PIC - Of me receiving the award for best overall candidate at the Nigeria Institute of Architects Professional Practice Exam, March 2016)

A little while ago, I was fortunate to find myself in a writing group which honed my skills and put me on track to writing and publishing three novels in the space of six months. Everyone was amazed and kept asking me the how. I s

tarted to teach it.

The writing course I held in partnership with my coach Tolulope Faniran was a hit. All the 84 participants were so thankful for the value delivered which was far above the price.

I learnt to use the Canva app on my own, while everyone around me was struggling with it. I held a 1 hr class with my writing crew members. They were screaming "oh you're such a great teacher". And have gone on to do fantastic designs.

Now, I get it. Teaching is a natural gift to me.

 🙏

Next month, as part of plans for my 40th birthday, I want to teach something I have perfected over the last sixteen years (since I graduated with an MSc degree in architecture). I want to teach you about the process of owning your home.

What part is the most confusing for you:

• Getting land to buy/ knowing what size you need

• The design process/ knowing which professionals you need

• The building permit process/ getting government approval

• The construction process/ getting a good builder

• The finishing process/ selecting the right finishes

Please pick the one you need most. I will be teaching the one with the highest votes for FREE early in July.

The class holds in a private facebook group. As a member of my list, you get the first pass. Register by clicking the link below

Register Here!

See you on the inside! Do reply this email and let me know if you or anyone you know would be interested in this free class.

Till I come your way again,

It's your favourite girl,

Brenda Unu.