It has been 10 months. The time went by quickly but it’s a period of time I wouldn’t forget in a hurry. I’ve had life-changing encounters, gotten to meet with dignitaries virtually, yet being affected physically. Steven Spielberg said, “The delicate balance of mentoring someone is not creating them in your own image but giving them the opportunity to create themselves.” This was my experience in the Incubator. Dr Yonette and her team didn’t try to make us like them but instead helped us to be better versions of ourselves; something I’ll be eternally grateful for.
In the beginning, I remember being asked to introduce myself to “the Queen.” I was so dumfounded that day but if asked that question now again I might not give a perfect answer, but with my head held high I’ll be able to introduce myself. It went from there to writing with Miss Zite. Oh! I remember struggling to put words together when we were given a writing assignment. It wasn’t my best moment. Yet, I was corrected with love, and it enabled me to get better at the writing thing.
Time went by, we had classes on research and other things which I learnt a lot from. Then came our presentation at the European Public Health Week, that was a big deal for me. I had amazing experiences working on the photo essay with my colleagues. More importantly, it made me take a close look at my community and my heart bled when I saw some things that shouldn’t be. I remembered what Dr Yonette said in one of our classes “there are always needs in your community, find a problem and try to solve it”. Despite the ills in my society, that statement gave me a sense of responsibility as I worked on my photo essay. Then came the presentation, I felt elated and proud to have presented for the world to see. Though my presentation was but a few minutes the euphoric feeling that came with it lasted weeks. After the presentation, we were made research fellows of Urban Health 360. Oh, what joy and excitement filled my heart!
Then there came the Teladoc project. Getting to know that we would be part of such an amazing project, I was wowed. I constantly had this thought, “a young black girl touching lives.” This has always been my dream and it was beginning to seem possible because of the Incubator.
Generally, I’m not a social media person. I had a LinkedIn profile, but I wasn’t active. Thanks to the Incubator hub, I have functioning social media platforms that have helped me build connections beyond my local environment. I’ve also learnt the importance of giving back to society in my own little way.
I intend on running with the knowledge taught to me and even build on it, while teaching and sharing with others. I’ll forever be grateful to Dr Yonette. She inspires me to want to do better and achieve higher. She makes you feel like anything is possible irrespective of your location; just aim for it. She is indeed a mentor and teacher. I would like to say thank you to Dr Oboh introducing us to Dr. Yonette and the Incubator and to everyone who contributed to the success of the Incubator hub. I’m indebted to everyone, and I say thank you.
Asogun Joycee