Hello everyone in the wonderful hive blockchain. I hope you are all doing great. Once again, I’m grateful to the hive learners’ community for their amazing initiatives.

The hive learners’ community has again presented us with another amazing topic, and I’m so glad to be participating in it.

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[Source](https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2015/09/05/07/28/writing-923882_1280.jpg)

Growing up, a lot of us talked about our dream jobs and what we would like to study at the university. Sadly, while some follow their dreams to the end, others digress due to some factors; financial problems, low grades in high school, and some even change their minds along the line. When I was still in primary school, I remember how my friends and I used to talk about how we all would love to be medical doctors and pilots. As time went on, some of us changed our minds. 

I started watching football and I saw how Cristiano Ronaldo played. I loved his lifestyle and wanted to be like him. Right from when I was a kid, I loved playing football so much. Playing football is one of my many talents. Sadly, my mom was against the idea; she had heard stories about how footballers get injured. 
As time went on, when I got to SSS1 (Senior Secondary School 1), I discovered my talent, and I decided on what I planned to study at the university.

**My field of study**


My field of study is literature in English. The funny thing about Nigerian Parents is that they think the only good courses in Nigeria are Nursing, Medicine, and engineering. I don't blame them, I blame Nigeria’s Economy. Thankfully, my parents are the supportive type. They supported me regardless of what I chose to study.

When I tell people I'm studying literature in English, the first thing they ask is if it is not the same literature we did in high school or if it is not the English I already know how to speak. They believe literature is only about reading or writing books. If you're one of those that have this mentality, you're totally wrong. There’s more to Literature than reading books. 


**What inspired me to study literature in English?**

The first thing that inspired me to study literature in English is my passion for writing. I started writing when I got to Jss1 (Junior Secondary School 1). I was 10 years old then. Sadly, the first book I wrote got stolen, so I lost my morale. I started writing again when I got to SSS1. I wrote short stories for a WhatsApp group. They really enjoyed it and kept asking me to write more. 

Before I gained admission into the university, I had written hundreds of articles for different websites. I also wrote articles for foreign clients.

I thought I knew everything about writing, but when I got to school, I realized what I knew was little and not even enough. 

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[Source](https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2015/09/05/07/28/writing-923882_1280.jpg)


Judith Clarke, a well-known Australian writer, also inspired me to study literature. She won tons of awards. In 2018, she won the prime minister's literary award. My favorite book of all time is “Nighttrain”. Clarke published the book in 1998. Her books are so fascinating, gripping, and interesting. One day, I hope to publish interesting books, just like Judith Clarke. 

**Why am I studying Literature in English?**

Regardless of what society thinks, I love literature. Obviously, society is ignorant of what literature entails. But I'm not, I know the importance of literature and I know what it offers which is why I'm studying it. Society will ask you what you can do with a literature degree in English once you graduate. The answer to this question is wider than you might expect. The most annoying mentality that most Nigerians have is that they think you'll end up becoming a primary or high school teacher if you study Literature in English. Another reason why I'm studying literature is that I believe there is power in creative writing. 


**What have I learned so far?**
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[Source](https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2016/05/05/07/15/hands-1373363_1280.jpg)

As I said earlier, before I gained admission into the university, I thought I knew everything about literature. But I discovered I was wrong. Very wrong. The literary world is so wide, that if you're not careful you'll get lost and trapped there forever. 

So far, I have learned many things about life, love, family, humans, death, religion, cultures, and the weird things about human life. 

I also learned to read books (a lot of them), analyze theories, criticize literary works, think creatively and critically take a deep dive into the literary world. 

My writing skills also improved greatly. I learned how to create striking dialogues, develop convincing characters, and how to get the audience hooked.

**How is it helping me now?**

Today, a large percentage of the youths in the country are unemployed. While some of them get a job that pays meager salaries, most of them. get involved in fraudulent activities. Why would I do that when I can just utilize my hands and brain? Besides the fact that I enjoy writing, I also make money doing it. 

Before I started studying literature, I didn't know literary works like poems hold deep meaning. But now, I'm able to see through other authors' works and know what they are trying to convey. 

**How can literature be useful to life and society at large?**

Literature is a major source of income for people around the world. Take bloggers, musicians, poets, writers, actors, and actresses for example. 

Literature helps relieve stress and anxiety; we've heard stories of people committing suicide or getting depressed. Reading a book or listening to music can help make you happy, and relieve stress and anxiety.


Literature is a mirror of society and life. Society learns about its history through literature. History is an important part of the human lifestyle. 

As a learned with a good command of written and spoken English, you can weigh in on important matters happeningin the society and give positive, honest criticisms that will help people make better choices

**My plans for the future**

Writing and publishing a book have been on my mind ever since I wrote my first book. I’d also love to get a master’s degree in Literature. 


**In conclusion**

If you're determined, strong, and consistent then you'll make the best out of what you study. Don't let the society discourage you.