Meet Our Staff Of The Month – Pastor Tume Emmanuel
Ahmed – Tell us a bit about yourself
Tume – My name is Pastor Tume Tyonongu Emmanuel. I am from Benue state and a holder of OND in Health and Social Services Administration from University of Maiduguri, Borno State. Mathematics is my best subject since my secondary school days and I am a man of my word.
Ahmed – What do you like most about working at Foundation Bilingual School?
Tume – I love two things about Foundation. I like that we are a family here which makes it very easy to work in an environment where you know that other people care for you and also that working at Foundation has brought out the best in me. I have done things that I never thought, dreamt or imagined that I could so I love Foundation Bilingual School.
Ahmed – That is really inspiring. Do you have a personal motto?
Tume – Work hard, work smart and be patient.
Ahmed – That’s a nice one, Tume. Tell us something about yourself that will surprise us.
Tume – I am a very quiet person and I love my personal time. A lot of people don’t believe this but I am quiet.
Ahmed – How do you define success?
Tume – I am still getting there but for me, success is being good at that little thing that your hand finds to do. Being good at it is not enough. Impacting lives with it makes it even better and serving God as you do so is the best. So no matter how little your craft is, people should feel free to come to you for knowledge and/or guidance and you should be able to gladly do this for the person. When you are no longer there, people can make a reference to you regarding that particular craft and counselling. That is what success is for me and I am still getting there.
Ahmed – That is really deep Tume. If your house were burning down and you need to save one nonliving thing, what will it be?
Tume – Hmmm… (thinks deeply) I won’t save food, clothes or my bags. I can always get another one. (Exclaims) My certificates! Aaaah, I must save my certificates. In Nigeria, It’s not easy to get your certificates back when you lose them so I don’t want to go through any stress at all.
Ahmed – (laughs) That’s a good one. So tell us, what do you do for fun?
Tume – I like to meditate and read the word of God (Bible). Then very very good novels. If I am not doing any of these two, I am sleeping or resting especially after work because I don’t really like going out.
Ahmed – What advice will you give to new staff at Foundation Bilingual School?
Tume – Attitude will take you to places. I am not perfect and I am also learning but I have thought about it. My attitude will take me farther than where my professionalism will take me to. First, you need to have a very good attitude. The right attitude to work and the way you relate to people. Ask all the questions you can ask, seek to know. It doesn’t matter how stupid the question might be, in Foundation, you will always find people who are ready to assist you.
Also, don’t always be in a haste to go home after work. I am not saying people should not go home after work but you need to always find time to learn some more even if it means staying few minutes after your shift or regular work hours just to get that particular thing. Once you get it, it sticks and you can also help someone else with it. For me, that is it; Attitude to work, your relationship with people, keep asking questions and developing yourself.
Above all, put God first. You may think you are doing something little like picking calls or chats but if God is not with you, clients will keep complaining about your work response whether good or bad.
Ahmed – That is some sure-fire truth right there. Finally, do you want to say anything to anyone reading this interview?
Tume – If you are reading this interview, we love you. If you are a Parent or guardian, we love you and appreciate your trust in us with your children or wards. We appreciate that you do your own part of our pupils/students training and pay their fees timely. I want you to know that we are always planning to improve our services each term. We try to ensure we give every child the best training to prepare him/her for the dynamic future ahead. We appreciate your patronage, trust, love, and understanding.
Ahmed – It has been really nice having you, Tume. Congratulations on being the employee of the month, thank you for your hard work, we really appreciate you.
Tume – I have not started yet.
Ahmed – We look forward to so much more from you.
Tume – Thank you.
If you enjoyed reading this interview and would like to meet our next employee of the month for July, Please check back on the 5th of August.