2024; Unforgettable

The year 2024 is almost over. A lot of experiences garnered during the year. I recorded some achievements and also some unmet desires. One very important thing that happened to me this year that I will never forget is my decision to take a risk in support of my career.

Earlier this year, I was admitted for a master's degree program. Luckily for me, the admission came with a scholarship that covered registration and tuition fees. I was very excited. I communicated with my place of work and demanded permission to go for the studies. Despite meeting the requirement of having to serve for two years before going for further studies, I was denied formal permission to go for the studies. Even after explaining to them that the scholarship is an opportunity that might not be there for me again if I don't utilize it, I was still denied the approval.

I was devastated and at the same time in a dilemma of what to do next. I need my job to pay my bills, and at the same time I didn't want to forfeit the scholarship. I had deep thoughts about it, and many experiences that I had in my former place of work came back to my memory.

I was teaching in a private school in Abuja, and on a fateful day, a teacher was sacked in a very reckless and heartless manner by the school management. He was accused of insubordination and was fired the same day without warning or at least giving him a chance to defend himself. He was sacked outrightly without caring about his survival and that of his dependents. It was that day that I realized that in most cases, an employee is only valuable to his employer for the result he is getting on his job. Whenever the management felt they had used the employee satisfactorily, they discarded them like used tissue paper.

When I reflected on all these experiences, I decided to take the risk of going for my studies. Initially, I was scared. I didn't know how it was going to turn out.

"What if I lose my job? Is this risk worth taking?" I asked myself many questions.

Finally, I settled for what would work for my career advancement. I prepared my mind for the worst. As I was doing the registration for the program, I was preparing for my survival if eventually I am out of my job.

The lectures began around April. It wasn't easy. I was traveling between Jos and Kaduna at least twice in a month. Opposition came from my immediate supervisor, but I told her that I am entitled to this study permission according to the rule of service. I let her know that I would try my best to not let the study keep me away from my job. She has remained indifferent, but I am not deterred in any way. I faced my fear head-on. It has not been easy, especially in the aspect of the transportation fare of going to and fro. It has even affected my hive activities, but then I have determined to pursue my desire to a logical conclusion.

It's been nine months, and I am very proud of taking the risk. In a few months, I will be done with coursework, which is the daunting part that requires my frequent presence on campus.

This decision has reinforced the belief in me that you need to take a calculated risk if you want to achieve your desires. The fear of uncertainty can kill one's dream. 2024 is a unique year that I will never forget.