Leaving Nigeria for South Korea wasn't a big deal in terms of respect for my Professors and senior colleagues. I won't call my professor by their first name in Korea. In fact, we usually line up once he arrives and leaves every day to greet him and take a bow.
It all changed when I got to Germany for my PhD. I was corrected several times for taking a bow as a sign of respect and not calling my professors by their first names. It took me almost a year to adapt and even at that, I had to state that it was unusual for me.
When I arrived at UBC back in 2020, I had to repeat the same for my boss and when it became awkward, I asked if it was appropriate to call him by his first name. I was amazed because he appreciated that I asked. Imagine calling my dad by name like 'Muyiwa bawo ni?
What has really helped me to survive on the 4 continents I have lived on is the understanding of the norms and what is applicable in the system. Nigeria and South Korea are quite similar
and both are completely different from Germany and Canada in terms of how you interact with your boss. In fact, in South Korea, you dare not look into the eyes of your senior colleague or boss while sipping soju.
Wherever I go, I bring the culture with me, so that they can understand that it's attainable. I didn't do it any other way than through Science.
Original quote from Jay-Z
Original quote from Jay-Z
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