My journey so far has been a memorable one. I remember the first time I was asked to give my elevator speech to the “Queen” for 30 seconds, I felt like that was the most difficult task on planet earth. I had no clue what to say or how to sell myself to the “Queen.” When I was asked to describe who I am, I was surprised to discover that I didn’t really know how to describe myself, even though I thought I had it all figured out. Or, when I was to describe my “avatar,” I totally misunderstood what it meant at first. The beauty of it all is now I know better. I am better and I’m doing better, and I will do even better. I know who I am, and I am aware of the ever-constant changes that happen in my life as I grow personally and professionally. Life is not stagnant! As Dr Thomas Yonette would say, “you are a movement”!
I have come to understand how I’m independent, smart, proactive, hardworking, and all things I am, and how to use these qualities to present myself. I know now what an avatar means and what mine is. My elevator speech has become a spinal reflex. Although I haven’t yet met “the Queen” or anyone that would require me to give my pitch, I have had to use my mission and personal statement recently to remind myself of my values, who I am, and what I stand for when things were down. It is one of the best tools for self-motivation ever.
Being in the Incubator cohort has helped me streamline my goals and identify who I want to be. Believe me when I say, there nothing as unproductive as an undefined life path. It’s like dissipating energy on everything and getting nothing. When we were to choose a focus area, I wanted to be everywhere. I wanted to be in public health, youth wellbeing, health of women and girls. The only focus area I was very sure I didn’t want to be in, was health aging. I had to have a discussion with myself and my colleagues to discover what I truly stand for? What were my values? What would I not get tired of doing? With which of the focus areas would I achieve the results that would give me the greatest satisfaction? I love public health and I am interested in the health of women and girls, but I am passionate about youth health and wellbeing. I know that I can play an important role in the health and wellbeing of youth in Nigeria.
To say that our sessions were mind blowing is an understatement. I was both inspired and blown away. After each session I say to myself: “Wow if she can get all this stuff together like this, nothing can stop me.” The sessions with Dr Yonette have changed me forever. If I can just be as selfless and as interested in the growth of others as Dr Yonette; if I can bring even half the change she brought to my life to the life of others, I will be one of the most fulfilled persons on earth.
The three things I learned and how I will use this knowledge going forward:
My LinkedIn profile is an aspect I’m super happy about. Before the Incubator, I longed for a LinkedIn profile that is well put together and in my own style, but I felt like I didn’t belong there. I felt I didn’t have achievements to make my profile stand out or even have an active presence. Working with Dr Yonette change my mindset. She opened my eyes to the little things that matter; she made me understand that I, even as a medical student in training, have material for a great profile and not just for LinkedIn. You see being in the incubator program taught me that I can be more than just Doctor who treats people; I can be the doctor who changes lives. I can be the doctor who brings innovation to the community, I can be the doctor who brings inspiration to the youth, and I can show others that work habits are living habits.
Our session with Teewa Akers on personal professional budgeting and project accounting was the first time I heard about budgets and funding projects. That session didn’t only teach me about funding and budgeting, it gave me broader knowledge about personal and professional finances and the courage to consider my budget. I have always avoided budgeting and since the session, I have made a conscious effort to better understand how to manage a budget.
Working on the photo essay project was another awesome experience. This project taught us about teamwork. Preparing PowerPoint slides and presenting at the European Public Health Week was a training on its own. The experience taught us how to bring our “A game” (as Dr Yonette would call it) and rise to any occasion presented to us. It taught me that excuses are not an option. It gave me exposure to a global audience, and it gave my confidence a huge boost. if I’m faced with a task like that in the future, I can tell myself “I have done this before I can do it even better this time.” Moreover, I met new people and I learned a lot. Presentations at the event made me aware of the impact of COVID-19 on a global scale and gave me the opportunity to understand health challenges in countries and communities outside of Nigeria
The session with Dr. Maria Budu, a study physician in Botswana, was another eye opener. In addition to what she taught us about her personal journey, we learned about her work as a study physician on an HIV/AIDS project and serving as a clinician in the community. It was amazing not just for me but for the other members of the Incubator.
The program taught me to be intentional; get it done because you can. In the past 10 months I have undergone a huge transformation mentally and in so many other areas. I have been able to meet and interact with a lot of persons who are pacesetter in their various fields. This has been a source of enlightenment and inspiration for me.
Moving on from here, I can say I am on a journey of continuous self-improvement. I have been taught that I can always make a difference for myself, for my colleagues, for the community, the nation, and for the world. With the exposure, knowledge and drive I have gotten from being in the Incubator, I feel more than capable of doing this and more. I understand my ecosystem, my landscape, what needs to be done, how others have done it, and how I can do it and even do it better.
So, from here on I intend to prioritize my medical studies, create strong networks, and build social relationships both locally and globally that are in line with my responsibilities and goals. I plan to become more active on LinkedIn and apply myself to other activities. Because as I have learnt from Dr Yonette, capacity building is a never-ending process. With all that I have learned in the Incubator, I am expected to deliver nothing short of excellence and that I will do.
In conclusion I want to say a big thank you to Dr. Yonette and Precious Gems for this great opportunity. Thank You.