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CAREFUL WHAT YOU ASK FOR

I didn't fully understand this phrase "be careful what you ask for" till it happened to me.

Preparing for my SIWES (Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme), I wanted a good place. An environment where I could learn and grow not just work... I was so sure that was what I wanted. I applied to various offices, checked for placements online, made enquiries from family and friends, even wrote an exam (on top SIWES 😂) and sent a lot of mails. 

I eventually got a call to resume work as I had been accepted. Getting there, I realized they didn't directly offer the service I wanted to gain practical experience in, but they offered something similar which is still a plus. Now, this is where it began.

Work officially started and this was nothing like what I planned or asked for. In the first week of resumption all SIWES interns were given a study plan that included courses we were expected to take within a period of time... yep, we had deadlines to meet. Plus, we still had to make presentations based on assignments and what we've learnt over time. 

The gravity of what I asked for didn't dawn on me until the third week when I couldn't meet up with the deadline for the first course. I started to feel frustrated and tired at a point. But then it hit me… this is exactly what I asked for. I didn’t just ask for a placement. I asked for growth, and growth isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes, it stretches you. Sometimes, it overwhelms you but it’s doing exactly what it’s meant to do.

So yes… be careful what you ask for. You just might get it.

Comments

  1. Divine Toluwani💜April 7, 2026 at 12:17 PM

    This was actually such a thoughtful read😌, I like how honest and reflective it felt. So were you eventually able to adjust to that season of growth, I hope it didn’t overstretch you🥹💗

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hassan Imo-OluwaApril 8, 2026 at 1:47 PM

      Thank you so much Divine, that means a lot to me 😊
      I eventually adjusted, and that experience helped me realize I couldn't rely on excuses. I had to take responsibility and be more intentional with my priorities.

      Delete

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