“Life has a funny way of working itself out” – Gloria Jordan
When I left University in December of 2014, I had no idea that life would deal such a hard hand. I thought when I applied for a job I would get a good feedback and called in for an interview; I blame television for that. Things didn’t work out the way I wanted them to and I felt as though I was becoming a burden. My aunt, Maureen Bryant, decided to give me a position in she and her husband’s establishment as a Shop Assistant/Cashier. I was and still am very grateful for the opportunity because it was something to do, something to get me out of the house.
Never once did I stop applying to jobs even the ones where my degree wouldn’t have been applied. Still…nothing. Family members, friends even strangers, urged me to step out of Barbados, and find something to do elsewhere but I kept telling them no. I was petrified. I never once thought of it because I couldn’t see myself living alone in a foreign country with no one to turn to.
Then, my attitude changed.
I started going to Wycliffe Club Bible Study & Prayer (invited by my amazing friend, Stefan Lorde) and like every other new venture, I had to introduce myself. I gave them my age and what I’d studied at University and I told them about my blog. One of the Bible Study members, Marcus King, saw an advertisement about SIDS Fellowships being awarded to Water Professionals to study at UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education and figured it was right up my ally. I can’t tell you where my confidence and fearless attitude came from but I instantly started working, with Stefan, trying to find the best motivational letter to send in with my application. I applied and within 2 days I received an email stating I had been accepted into the University to pursue a Master’s programme in Water Management specialising in Water Quality Management. That was one part down.
The next step was securing the fellowship…this part made me nervous. I second guessed every decision I ever made, i regretted telling who I did (not many people) and I started to shy away from the thought of going overseas. I felt as though what I sent wasn’t enough to persuade them to select me. Then on the 28th of July 2016, the Fellowship and Admissions officer emailed me telling me I had been short-listed for selection and all I needed to do, if I were still interested in the fellowship, was send in an employer statement in their format by the 3rd of August 2016. I sent it on the 1st and this morning (Wednesday, 3rd August, 2016) I received the most anxiously awaited email ever in life…I had been selected for the fellowship. My cheeks hurt for the most part of the day because I couldn’t stop smiling. My friends were elated, one was even brought to tears, and just ecstatic for me. It was then I believed I was truly loved and appreciated.
As I’ve said before, I aspire to be an Environmental Chemist and completing this master’s takes me one step closer to realising this dream. Prayer and perseverance got me where I am today. Never in a million years I saw myself living and studying in a European country but life has a funny way of working itself out.
– the Awkward Chemist
P.S. – I intend on taking you guys on this journey with me. Thanks for reading! 🙂
A little about the Journey:
- The Institute is located in Delft, The Netherlands
- The programme runs for 18 months & it begins October 20th, 2016.
- Click for description of SIDS Fellowship
- I am BEYOND SCARED but ready for an amazing change in my life.
the Awkward Chemist 