NEVER GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAMS

I dropped out of University at the age of nineteen for the simple reason that I could not control the crazy pregnancy induced nausea and mood swings that caused me to hate almost everyone on Campus, and that included almost all the Lecturers. 

And so there I was, a year and a half later, sitting at home breastfeeding and taking care of my baby boy. My future was not looking very bright.

Oh, did I mention that my son and I were now living with my In-laws? Yes, under one roof.  My son’s Grandfather was a jolly fine old man, BUT, he did not allow any female under his roof to wear pants. For that reason, I always had a kanga wrapped around my tiny frame.  My son’s Grandmother was a no nonsense old lady but she loved me and absolutely adored her Grandson.  I had allowed myself to become an unofficial “Makoti”.  Thing is, my son and I basically had nowhere to stay. 

When my son turned nine months, I decided it was time to wean him off the breast and start job hunting.

My very first job was that of a Temporary Receptionist at a leading Paint Manufacturer.

This was my first experience in the corporate world. I learnt how to answer incoming calls professionally and also how to take messages accurately. 

It was not long before I was offered a better paying job as a Secretary with a Law Firm in Matsapha.  I was enjoying my job and the new challenges it posed. 

My tenure at the law firm did not last very long.  The law firm was situated directly opposite one of the country’s leading Banks. I got wind of a position that had become vacant after the resignation of the Branch Manager’s Secretary. Armed only with my O’level certificate, I was afraid to apply because I thought that I would not meet the recruitment criteria.

My older sister told me to give it a go as I had nothing to lose after all.  I remember saying to myself “God has blessed me thus far, what will stop him now?”.  I submitted my application and was called for an interview. To my delight, I was offered the job.

I started off as Branch Manager’s Secretary and worked my way through the various departments within the Bank like the Foreign Exchange Department, ATM Cash Custodian and ultimately, Customer Service Consultant. The experience I gained, the business links I established over the eight years I was there groomed me into the dynamic woman I turned out to be.  The only downside is that while I was employed by the Bank, it was quite difficult for me to develop myself academically as it was a very demanding job environment and also, I worked on Saturdays as well.  After a lengthy eight years, all I had to show was my O’level certificate, with no other qualification but the vast experience I had gained.

I did not want to end up an old woman with only an O’level qualification and so I decided to quit my job at the bank and explore ways to develop and empower myself.

I joined a totally different industry than the one I had become accustomed to, the Motor Vehicle Industry. This meant I had Saturdays off and thus an opportunity to start studying again. Also, through hard work and my commitment to my job, last year I was promoted to the Position of Human Resources Officer.

I enrolled at Mananga Management Centre (I attend lectures on Saturdays) and successfully obtained a Level 4 Diploma in Business Management. Presently, I am studying Human Resources Management. That I have become a student again is not easy but, it is a necessity if I am to realise my maximum potential.

The reason I am sharing this story with you today is, I want you to know that nothing is Impossible! I could have easily settled and accepted that I was only good for answering the phone at someone’s Front Desk but I did not! I knew that I was worth and capable of much more.  I have always believed and trusted God to bless me with the best and I do consider myself a very fortunate person in life.  Five years from now, rest assured that I will be something and someone much greater and successful than I currently am. Fast forward to ten years from now, I will have made my first million dollars! Yes, dollars!

Quit doubting your capabilities and stop settling in your comfort zone!! 

You can achieve much more than you have ever imagined!!

Keep going and NEVER EVER GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAMS!

Till next week, Much love and God’s Blessings to you and yours!!!