I have always loved the business of mentorship. I hear motivational speakers talk about how they have groomed people into becoming better versions of themselves. I always wished to be able to one day say I was mentored and tutored through the path of life to achieve some of the virtues I have now. I have also wished to be able to have mentored someone as well. I didn’t think any of these would have been possible until I participated in the Strategic Transitions Incubator hub. Becoming a member of this noble network under the mentorship of Dr Yonette has been a blessing and a life changer for me.
The last ten months have been a transition phase indeed for me. At the start of this program, I was somewhat oblivious of what my role will be on the platform or what was in for me to gain. But ten months down the line, I have been transformed mentally, professionally, and socially. I have been given a platform to build my professional profile. I never saw the importance of this until I was trained on the usefulness of a LinkedIn profile. I can now boldly put forward who I am and what I stand for. There is no longer the feeling of naivety, mediocrity, or lack of confidence in myself. I have realised that I am not just a space occupying individual, but one who has been positioned at this place and time for a purpose. My knowledge and insights have been equipped on the need re evaluate and prioritising my career goals, not just becoming a medical doctor to earn a living but using it to impact lives. I have come to the realisation that there are people around me both far and near who look up to me and so, this has kept me in constant reminder to be at my best always. Dr Yonette has been a mother to me. Despite the distance, I still feel so secure and cared for by her. She is always passionate and concerned about my academics and my general welfare, constantly motivating, and encouraging me to be better. Special thanks also to Dr Oboh who has positioned himself to key into my dreams and aspiration as though they were his. He has been selfless and always ready to listen.
Going forward, I will be a channel of hope, inspiration, and positivity. I want to be able to make a lasting impact in my environment and the lives of everyone I encounter. I do not think myself as an island but as a thirsty well yearning to be filled with knowledge. I have been able to identify my role as a medical professional and this platform has helped me to fuse that role with my passion for the health of women and girls. I will be physically involved in their affairs as it relates to reproductive health, domestic violence, and drug abuse. My passion for this course will always be my drive. I will make myself readily available to any programme, partnership or scheme that promotes this course. My M.B.B.S certificate will be my steppingstone towards achieving this goal. I have realised that there is so much I need to do especially for my immediate community that is why I’m excited to be a part of the training to become a research fellow of the Urban Health 360. Many thanks Dr Yonette and Dr Oboh. The Strategic Transitions Incubator has indeed shaped my life and given me a sense of responsibility. I am grateful for this rare privilege. It has been my safe place and I promise to remain teachable and trainable.
Thank you.
Odigie Osasumwen