In November 2020, through Dr. Oboh Achioyamen, a few of my colleagues and I got an opportunity to be part of an incubator program, called Strategic Transitions founded by Dr. Yonette Thomas. Though I was not sure what it was all about I took it up because I knew somehow it was going to be beneficial. After an overview of what it was going to be, I was like, “Wow! This is big, I hope we don’t mess up.” Despite my fears and doubts, I was determined to give it a good shot.
Then the training started. One of the first questions was, “who are you?” As simple as that question seems, I could not give a proper answer. Well, who am I? I know I am a lot of things but who am I? What can I say about myself to an imaginary “Queen Elizabeth” if given a few minutes? I never thought for once in my life I won’t have a proper answer to that question; I never knew it was that important. Then the training on self-discovery began. With Dr. Yonette’s training and guidance I was able to look inwards, focus on my core, connect the dots and know who I am, and what I stand for. I was able to say this in few minutes.
From self-discovery, I learned more about myself and the importance of connecting this to my professional self. Through a series of trainings, I developed my avatar and started working on my professional presence. For the first time, I opened a LinkedIn account, set up my profile, and modified my other social media accounts to reflect who I am as this will play a role in my professional self. Furthermore, I learned to separate what matters most from what does not. I learned to be intentional about what I do. I started redirecting my thoughts and ideas to my core.
Big thanks to Dr. Yonette, I will not finish medical school without thinking about my professional self, which would have led to regrets when I see what others would have achieved by then.
Via the Incubataor, my colleagues and I were asked to orally present our photo essay at the University of Manchester’s International Festival of Public Health. This was a global conference and we were one of the prize winners. It was a great honor to be recognized globally. These experiences have helped me a lot. I no longer limit my ideas and knowledge to my local community because I know now that I can share my work globally. These little successes and victories are a source of encouragement and confidence and as time goes by, I will say to myself, “I was able to do the previous task, I can do the next one too.” There were times I was saddled with assignments and tasks and doubted the outcome of my work and the opportuinites available to me. Dr. Yonette always had words of encouragement and guidance. This helped me to gain conficence and I am emboldened to complete my education and work successfully just as she said. She believed in us and encouraged us to do our best.
Going forward, I am determined to make a positive impact on those around me and in my community, bringing healthcare to the less privileged and quality healthcare and health systems to my country, Nigeria. Dr. Yonette would say, “Despite the challenges, something good can come out from your local community” and I believe that. I am certain, this Incubator experience still holds much more opportunities and amazing experiences for my colleagues and me.
Thank you, Dr. Yonette you are a blessing to us.
Thank you, Dr. Oboh for bringing this great opportunity to us.