Ultimately Kobby

My Name Is Kobby B, I am a (BA Hons) Business Management & Marketing Graduate from Nottingham Trent University and I also delivered my Valedictorian Speech.

Kobby giving his Valedictorian speech! 👀🎤

I am now studying an MSc in International Business &Strategy at the University of Exeter.

I applied to university via UCAS and applied to the University of Birmingham, University of Nottingham, Nottingham Trent University, Aston University & Coventry University. I chose Business Management & Marketing as I had studied Business before at Sixth Form level and I had previous experience in the field.

Uni met my expectations, both personally and professionally being a final-year course representative within Nottingham Business School (NBS) sitting in meetings with other course representatives, Head of Nottingham Business School and Principal Lecturers & Seminar Tutors. I was also a Student Mentor with the Black Leadership Programme in my final year, helping students from first to final year of Black Heritage build their confidence & resilience providing them with career advice, empowerment and the necessary skills both personally and professionally. I found lectures and seminars insightful and enjoyable.

University is often described as a time of self-discovery, intellectual growth, and

personal challenge. For me, it has been all of that and more. When I first stepped into university life, I carried with me ambition, curiosity, and a slightly inflated sense of what it meant to be independent. Looking back, I can confidently say that university has been one of the most defining chapters of my life- teaching me lessons far beyond lecture halls, textbooks, and graded assignments.

What Has University Taught Me?

First and foremost, University taught me how to learn. That might sound strange- after all, isn’t that what school is for? But there’s a difference between learning to pass an exam and learning to think critically, question assumptions, and apply knowledge practically. University pushed me into this deeper mode of thinking. Whether through writing long essays, tackling complex case studies, or debating with peers in seminars, I learned to process information, consider multiple perspectives, and build standard

arguments.

Another major lesson was the value of time. At university, time is currency. Early on, I made the classic mistake of underestimating deadlines and overestimating my ability to work under pressure. The panic-filled all-nighters and rushed submissions taught me one thing: time management isn’t optional- it’s essential. I began planning better, breaking tasks into smaller steps, and prioritising rest and well-being.

And then there’s the lesson of self-leadership. With freedom came responsibility. There were no bells ringing to tell me where to go, no one reminding me to do my readings or submit assignments. I had to take initiative and own my journey. That shift- from being led to become a leader of my own academic life – has prepared me for both professional life and personal growth.

How I’ve Evolved: Challenges and Accomplishments

My evolution at university is a mix of transformation through hardship and strength through achievement. In the beginning, everything felt overwhelming: adapting to academic styles, living away from home, and navigating a sea of unfamiliar faces. I remember struggling with imposter syndrome, wondering if I truly belonged or if I was somehow “faking it.” But slowly, I found my voice- first in classroom discussions, then in student forums, and eventually in leadership roles.

One of my proudest accomplishments was leading a project as part of my course that tackled real-world issues. Not only did I apply academic theory to practical problems, but I also collaborated with diverse minds, managed timelines, and presented our findings with confidence. This experience confirmed something I’d long suspected: I thrive in environments that combine creativity, leadership, and service.

Of course, it hasn’t all been victories. Some challenges shook me to my core. There were moments of burnout, academic disappointments, and even loneliness. But each challenge taught me something valuable. I learned to ask for help when I needed it. I learned that failure isn’t the end- sometimes it’s the nudge you need to grow in a new

direction.

I also developed emotional intelligence. Being in such a multicultural, multi-perspective environment forced me to listen more, empathise better, and communicate more effectively. This personal evolution has made me not just a better student, but a better human being.

My Ultimate Tip

If I had to distil all of my university experiences into one ultimate tip, it would be this:

“Do not wait for confidence to begin; begin, and confidence will follow.”

This one mindset shift has changed the way I approach everything. Early on, I often delayed opportunities because I didn’t feel “ready” or “qualified.” Whether it was applying for internships, speaking in seminars, or taking on leadership roles- I hesitated.

But university taught me that readiness is a myth. No one is ever fully ready. The growth after the leap, not before. So, I started saying yes to opportunities that scared me. I volunteered to lead projects, applied for research placements, and started networking with professionals even before I felt “experienced enough.” Each of these decisions opened doors and showed me that confidence isn’t something you either have or don’t have. It’s something you build- action by action, step by step.

Alongside that tip, I’d also encourage anyone going through university to embrace the full experience. Yes, academics are important, but so is the growth that happens outside lecture halls: the friendships, the quiet self-reflections, the spontaneous conversations in campus cafés, the clubs you join, and the causes you care about.

University is a holistic journey. Don’t just pass through it- live it.