INTERVIEW WITH AN ASPIRANT FOR THE OFFICE OF THE GENERAL SECRETARY— MISS OPEYOKUN GOODNESS OLUWABUKUNMI

By Okunade Laylah

INTERVIEWER: Good evening, Miss Goodness.

INTERVIEWEE: Good evening.

INTERVIEWER: I hope your day is going well?

INTERVIEWEE: Yes. I hope yours is too?

INTERVIEWER: Yes, thank you. Thank you for making out time for today's interview.

INTERVIEWEE: Yes.

INTERVIEWER: I'd like that you do a proper introduction of yourself, Miss Goodness.

INTERVIEWEE: I am a second-year Psychology student at the University of Ibadan. I am a mental health advocate actively involved in the betterment of mental health. I am an entrepreneur and an active volunteer at a reputable Psychology Institute. Plus I am a first class student. My name is Opeyokun Goodness Oluwabukunmi.

INTERVIEWER: Please, do note that, you have a maximum of 3 minutes to answer open-ended questions like this. That I mean, when it's not a Yes/No question.

INTERVIEWEE: Noted.

INTERVIEWER: Now to my first question; What post are you running for in the upcoming election?

INTERVIEWEE: I’m running for the post of General Secretary.

INTERVIEWER: What do you know about the office of the General Secretary, in terms of duties?

INTERVIEWEE: The office of the General Secretary is where I am expected to write down minutes of every meeting held by the executives. I am expected to actively assist the President and Vice president and in the case of their absence, I’m expected to be the face of NAPS, among many others.

INTERVIEWER: I would like you to be specific with the "others". What constitutes the "others"?

INTERVIEWEE: The others include - Ensuring that the documents of the NAPS secretariat are kept safe and secure, arranging meetings for the executive council meetings and general meetings, handling the association’s correspondence both internally and externally. I could go on…

And the General Secretary of NAPS constitutes these.

INTERVIEWER: Alright.

INTERVIEWER: Would you like to share with NAPSITES what inspired you to run for the post?

INTERVIEWEE: Yes, thank you for this question. I have always been a keen observer of the works of Executives. I have ideas on how NAPS can become a better association where NAPSITES enjoy more benefits just because they have great executives.

I thought to myself, why don’t I actually execute these ideas rather than let them stay thoughts and opinions. I also thought of the best way to carry out these said opinions and I came to the conclusion that going for a political post is the best way to achieve these goals.

I hope that answers your question.

INTERVIEWER: That definitely answers the question. It’s great that you want to turn those ideas into action for the benefit of all NAPSITES.

What specific goals or changes would you prioritize first if you are elected? I mean what are those measures you intend to put in place to make NAPS a better one than it is.

INTERVIEWEE: Thank you.

As we all know, an association is only as good as its records. I’d ensure that not only an effective record-keeping method is established in NAPS but also that every single thing done by every single executive member is recorded EFFECTIVELY so that the coming executives can also make good use of these records whether by implementing our methods of executing tasks, using our way of responding to NAPSITES’ complains during their regime.

More than that, we are also aware that mental health is as important as physical health. Psychology students are met with the expectation that they should know all about how to take care of their mental health, they’re “immune” to mental health struggles. Also, in a world where we do the advocacy, try and help others that are struggling, who helps us? I’d implement a twice-a-semester mental health webinar where all Psychology students are provided with enough information on how to take care of their mental health and also reminded that they can seek help too.

INTERVIEWER: Ok. That's a good one.

What gaps or challenges have you observed in the office of the General Secretary for the current administration and how would you address them if elected?

INTERVIEWEE: I genuinely haven’t noticed any gaps in the office of the General Secretary for the current administration, however I plan to continue from where they stopped and raise the bar even higher.

INTERVIEWER: Ok.

Have you held any similar leadership, secretarial, or record-keeping role before? If yes, describe it. If no, what qualifies you for this one?

INTERVIEWEE: I have and am currently holding a post at a Psychology initiative where I’m a tier three volunteer in the clinical team and also the executive assistant to the ED.

As a tier three volunteer, I’m in charge of administrative roles, keeping records of clients, scheduling appointments with clients and also as the executive assistant, I take minutes of meetings when the team has one.

INTERVIEWER: That's interesting.

What is the one thing you want NAPSITES to remember about you when you finally hand over?

INTERVIEWEE: Aw this is a veryyyy cute question. I want to be remembered as someone who doesn’t abandon the people after assuming office. I’m still very much with everyone, I am approachable, I’m just as loving, I’m not full of myself. Y’all helped me get here, and we’re doing this together till the end.

INTERVIEWER: That is a nice one. I think that will be all for now Miss Goodness. Thank you so much for your time.

INTERVIEWEE: Thank you so much! NAPS press.

INTERVIEWER: Psychlens you mean?

INTERVIEWEE: Yes, Psychlens.

INTERVIEWER: You are welcome.