Based on our cultural and genetic heritage, personal experiences, and both academic and extracurricular learning, we develop eight different forms of intelligence in which we may be more or less proficient. We all possess these forms of intelligence, and although some may be dominant, they all operate simultaneously.

In 1983, Howard Gardner described the eight forms of intelligence as follows:

1. If you enjoy touching, making objects, acting, or if you’re skilled in sports or dance, then you have a high level of Bodily-Kinesthetic intelligence.
2. If you love drawing, doing puzzles, arranging and decorating your room, if you can navigate using a map, or if you visualize images in your mind, then your Visual-Spatial intelligence is top-notch.
3. If you are sensitive to nature, enjoy taking care of animals or plants, then you have a well-developed Naturalistic intelligence.
4. If you enjoy reading, telling stories, debating, playing with words, or studying foreign languages, then you have a significant Verbal-Linguistic intelligence.
5. If you can sing in tune, are sensitive to sounds, rhythms, and melodies, or if you compose and produce music yourself, then your Musical-Rhythmic intelligence is strong.
6. If you think logically, can calculate and solve math problems, organize objects and numbers, and develop logical arguments, then you possess the most valued intelligence in school: Logical-Mathematical intelligence.
7. If you easily connect with others, are sensitive to their emotions, enjoy interacting with them, leading group activities, or if you’re the one who resolves conflicts among your friends, then your Interpersonal intelligence is above average.
8. If you believe you have a good understanding of yourself, your strengths and weaknesses, your successes and failures, and your desires, if you enjoy moments of solitude or keep a diary, then you have highly developed Intrapersonal intelligence.

Naturally, no person, study, or profession can be reduced to just one form of intelligence. Moreover, you can further develop them through training, experiences, and learning. Therefore, the real question isn’t about your level of intelligence, but rather, which types of intelligence you possess. Answering this will help you choose your studies and a profession that aligns with your skills.

For Howard Gardner, we are all intelligent in our own way. After obtaining my Baccalaureate in the scientific stream, I was overwhelmed with a tumult of questions. My joy quickly turned into anxiety. The cheers and congratulations from my friends and family were replaced by long hours of reflection.

I was fully aware that I was at a crucial crossroads in my life. Making the wrong choice in higher education could lead to a significant loss of time and money. I was a bright student, excelling in both literary and scientific subjects.

I had repeatedly won literary awards at the Akwa Nord High School where I studied. I was also selected to represent my class in math competitions. I felt torn between what I wanted to do and what the numerous counselors at the time were suggesting.

Yes! I had dreamed of becoming a gynecologist because I was fascinated by the senior-year science curriculum that covered female anatomy and the different stages of pregnancy. But I was allergic to needles. Unfortunately, I was unaware of Howard Gardner’s concept of the eight forms of intelligence; ignorance is never a good thing.

Fortunately, having received a Christian education from my parents, I took time to pray and ask God for guidance in whatever way He saw fit. I was already aware that He knew me better than I knew myself and would guide me better than anyone else.

In my search, an elder advised me to take the entrance exam for the IUT (University Institute of Technology), specifically for the GAPMO program (Applied Management of Small and Medium Organizations). At the time, the term “Small Organization” didn’t sit well with me because I perceived it as having a negative connotation.

In my country, Cameroon, we often say that “someone is someone behind someone,” but I passed my exam brilliantly without any human intervention. I share this story to encourage us always to seek God’s guidance and assistance for any strategic decisions in our lives, regardless of our self-awareness. He is our Creator and knows what He has invested in us. Today, I am very fulfilled in my profession.

The Body: It is also important to know your physical body, your physique. It is the shell that covers what lies within us. You must know your morphology, your phenotype, your uniqueness to better embrace it. And above all, accept your physical appearance because you have been shaped by the divine Creator.

Rid yourself of any complexes imposed by society and be proud of who you are.

This text is an excerpt from the book “Letter from an Elder: Practical Advice to a Young Girl for a Successful Adult Life“ written by Syntyche IHINDI.

We invite you to read the next article titled “Manage a Household.“