Covenant Amusan is a lifestyle influencer, career coach, public speaker, and community builder passionate about youth development, personal growth, and purposeful living. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Dental Surgery at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. She is the founder of Crystal Glam, Vice President of Mindvolta, Deputy Chairperson of the IFUDSA Alumni Relations Committee, and Assistant School Mission Secretary at CMDA, OAUTHC. In this interview by GRATEFUL OGUNJEBE, she speaks about her work, personal development, among other things.
You are a dental surgery undergraduate student at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria. And you claim to be a career and lifestyle coach, a public speaker, and a community builder. Do you not think that you are too young to be these things you said that you are?
I do not believe I am too young. I believe that any mind that can conceive an idea is capable of bringing it to life. Many people at my age feel they still have enough time, so there is no pressure to do much yet, and they may not be wrong. But seeing people of my age doing amazing things inspires me to start building something of value, too. For me, it is not about how old I am but the impact I can make. I believe you do not have to wait until you are older to start making a difference.
On your LinkedIn profile, you stated that “Through my journey, I share lessons on personal growth, productivity, lifestyle, oral health, and beauty.” Could you share this personal journey with us, how it shaped your life, and how it inspired the work you do?
I am still on my journey of growth, and I have not figured everything out yet. However, I believe you do not have to have it all figured out before people can learn from you. Learning never ends, and I want to share the lessons I learn along the way. My journey involves being a dental student with a tight schedule, building a career outside medical school, running my business, and investing in personal development.
Juggling these responsibilities has taught me discipline, responsibility, and effective time management. These experiences inspire the lessons I share on personal growth, productivity, lifestyle, career growth, oral health, and beauty, with the hope of helping others learn, grow, and navigate their own journeys.
How would you define success and achievement? And why do some people achieve them with ease and many others struggle to make headway with them?
Success, to me, is fulfilling what God has destined me to do. I may achieve many things, but if I am not doing His will, I am not successful.
Factors such as background, relationships, exposure, resources, and mentorship influence how easily people achieve success. Mentors, in particular, can guide us with their experience and help us avoid mistakes. Ultimately, everyone’s journey is different, and these factors shape how easy success comes.
You stated that you help people who are “underperforming” to maximise their potential. Why do you think that people underperform, and how do you get them, or work with them, to perform and maximise their talents and potential?
I know people underperform because I have been there myself, and I have spoken to several people who feel the same way. They genuinely want to make an impact, but things are not working out as they hoped, leaving them feeling dissatisfied with their lives and abilities.
Through my LinkedIn posts, I share insights on personal development, career development, and, most importantly, how to put these lessons into practice. This is because knowing what to do is not enough; execution is what matters.
For those I work with directly, I help them define their goals and break them down into actionable steps that bring them closer to achieving those goals every day. The aim is to help them move from merely having potential to actively maximising it.
Many young people today feel pressured to become successful, especially when they compare themselves with others on social media. What is your perspective on this? What advice would you give to someone who feels left behind in life?
One thing I would say is that everyone has a different journey. We are not running the same race. So, do not compare your chapter 3 to someone else’s chapter 20.
The time you spend comparing yourself to others is time stolen from creating and building your own life. Think of it this way: your journey might be a long jump, while someone else’s is a 400-metre race. You start worrying that they are running faster than you, forgetting that your journey does not require you to run at the same pace.
My advice is to focus on your own journey and compete with yourself. Strive to become a better version of who you were yesterday. You are not left behind simply because someone else is ahead of you. Keep growing, keep learning, and keep moving. It will become beautiful in its time.
What three important things should every undergraduate student do to prepare for life after graduation? How can students discover their talents and turn them into meaningful life and career opportunities?
First, every undergraduate should build meaningful relationships while in university because these relationships can go a long way in shaping their lives after graduation.
Second, they should start building a career before graduation. Your career does not have to begin after your first degree; you can start developing valuable skills and exploring opportunities while still in school.
Third, they should build a strong personal brand. This gives them an edge by showcasing their value, skills, and what they have to offer.
Students can discover their talents and strengths through observation and exploration. By observation, I mean taking time to reflect on what they are good at, what they love doing, and the problems they want to solve. By exploration, I mean taking up opportunities to try new things. Not everyone discovers their talents through reflection; some people discover what they love simply by trying something new and falling in love with it.
How can young people begin to make a difference in their communities, even when they have limited resources and influence?
Young people can start from where they are and with what they have. Everyone has something to offer, regardless of their circumstances. If you influence just one person, ask yourself: How have you helped that person become better? What value have you added to their life? If you are good at a particular course, how can you use that knowledge to help others? You could teach your colleagues or help someone struggling to understand the subject.
Making a difference does not always require money, power, or a large audience. Sometimes, it starts with one person, one skill, or one small act of service. What matters is recognising what you have to offer and using it to make a positive impact.
Looking back on your journey so far, how do you feel about the person you are becoming? What has been your greatest motivation for pursuing your goals despite challenges?
I feel very satisfied with the person I am becoming. I know I have not gone very far on this journey, but I believe it is going to be great. My greatest motivation for pursuing my goals, despite challenges, is the picture of the future God has shown me. I believe there is a purpose behind everything He has placed in my heart, and I have a responsibility to pursue it.
If I fail to rise and work towards making that vision a reality, many lives that I could have impacted may remain untouched. Many people I could have inspired to become great may never receive that inspiration through me. This reminds me that my journey is not just about me; it is also about the lives I am called to touch and the impact I am meant to make.
Apart from your lifestyle influencing job, do you hold any school or community leadership position?
Yes, I hold a number of leadership positions in my school. I am the deputy chairperson of the Alumni Relations Committee in my department. I also serve as the vice president of Mind Volta, a club that seeks to educate people and promote good mental health. Additionally, I have held different leadership positions in the Christian Medical and Dental Association (CMDA).
These positions have helped me relate to and understand different people, work effectively with diverse individuals, and lead people in a productive way. They have also strengthened my communication, teamwork, and leadership skills, which continue to shape how I work and interact with others.
How do you manage your time among your academics, work, and leadership endeavours? How do you stay focused when everything demands your time and attention?
Time is never enough. Sometimes, you wish the day had 36 hours! I manage my time by prioritising my responsibilities and budgeting my time accordingly. However, it is not always easy. Sometimes, I feel like running away from all my activities and just having a quiet mind.
Over time, I have learnt to recognise that different seasons require different priorities. There are periods when my academics need the most attention, times when building my personal brand takes priority, and moments when I need to step up and fulfil my responsibilities as a leader.
I have learnt to recognise these seasons and act accordingly. For me, staying focused is not necessarily about giving everything equal attention at all times, but about knowing what matters most at each point and making the best use of my time.
You have till 2029 before graduating from the university. Do you see yourself practicing dental surgery or going into other forms of business or careers? What would you like to be remembered for in twenty years, and what legacy would you like to leave behind?
Yes, I see myself practising dental surgery, although perhaps not full-time. I also intend to venture into business while building my career as a lifestyle and career coach. I do not want to be boxed into one profession; I want to explore different fields and make meaningful contributions.
In twenty years, I want to be remembered for helping people find clarity, discover their potential, and build solid careers. The legacy I want to leave is to show people that it is possible to serve God, manage a demanding schedule, and still build something meaningful. Ultimately, I want everything I do to reflect God and His purpose for our lives.
