Tweets from my Work Experience......

Thus far.... 

Soo one critical lesson I can tell you about 'work' (well my first three months of work) is reality of a serious 'lack of Time'. This is my first grown up job experience and from day 1 I was very quickly brought up to speed with the fact that I have less hours during the day to spend on Me, less hours during the day to Read, to Sleep, to hang out with my mom, my friends and to actually invest in other things!!!! :/

Anyway.....that, unfortunately, has had a tremendous effect on my blog which is looking rather sad and neglected at the moment BUT when you are out of time and you have to say what you want to say in very few words there is always TWITTER!!!!! Thank God for twitter :) So I have decided to use my tweets to sort of divulge what my work experience as a Research Assistant in a Pediatric HIV study at Primary Health Care Centers (Clinics) in the high density suburbs of Harare has been like.

I must say although I haven't written much about it this has been an eye opening experience deserving of an entire book really.  Eye opening in soo many ways; I have seen death, suicide attempts, flus, coughs, colds, cuts, labour, phsychosis, fungal infections, diarrhoeal accidents and a whole hoard of bizarre ailments. So ya these are some of the tweets avec my personal life lessons [I believe there is a lesson to be learnt from all of life's experiences and part of my blogs primary focus is to share, learn and inspire so yes Lessons]. 

P.S I pray I will have more Time (or find a way to create more time...time management blah blah blah) to blog about many more of my experiences and other things in depth , I miss my blog, I love my blog :( ENJOY!!! 

Tweet #1

"Day1 paClinic taught me a lot about HIV/AIDS with one critical thing being the changing face of HIV perceptions and stigmatization."

This was during post test counselling where a patient who tested HIV negative went on to explain how HIV isn't that scary anymore. So many people are healthy and living positively thanks to the advent on Antiretroviral treatment (ART) although we do have a health issue at hand when it comes to the nitty gritty of people living with the virus in our societies it really isn't as it's made to seem. With up to 100 patients coming into the clinic each day my personal perceptions on the virus, the care and treatment associated with it has changed. People often ask me if seeing all this depresses me but the truth of the matter is while we do have many sad cases there is life after HIV. With so many patients I now have semi personal relationships with the virus itself is a far off issue. My perceptions and the stigma used to carry is a thing that started melting away very soon after the initial shock of day 1. The exposure has really changed me and I suppose it's only up until you get up close and cosy (or not so cosy) with something do you see it for what it really is - the good, the bad and the ugly.

Tweet #2

"Interesting Times Ahead #i'mlearning"

Just like in the first tweet for me work has been such a tremendous learning experience. I leave each day having learnt something new about people, our national health care structures, a particular diseases or different drugs. A few days ago I met this grandmother at a pharmacy who was trying to wake up her grandchild so she could get her eye-drops administered. The child wouldn't wake up and from my days at the clinic I remembered how nurses always tell mothers to blow gently over the child's nose to wake them up. I told her this, she tried it and immediately the child woke up. She was so surprised and after thanking me asked if this is what I do with my own kids. Of course I don't have any but this is one of the many many things that #I'mlearning. I strive to edify myself every single day...I aspire to grow me and well I believe that in every situation there is something to be learnt. Seek out those things and well you never know when they might come in handy. 

Tweet #3

"Life is generally monotonous....we rarely change our usual routines."

This was clearly a dull day! hahaha. I absolutely love my job by the way but yes, after about 2 days at work (I kid you not, this was like day 3) it dawned on me that if i'm to be at this for the next 2 years, waking up Monday to Friday to deal with Pediatric HIV things are bound to get really monotonous! I guess that's what life is generally like, however, how I've sort of come to terms with this is acknowledging that i'm actually doing something I really enjoy...I meet different people everyday, I talk for a living, I work with kids and at the very root of it all I like to believe that I'm saving lives [I'm a modern day hero] so monotonous yes but not in an Oh My Gosh it's going to kill me type way. The key lesson I learnt here was that although life can actually be extremely mundane and routine always strive to look at the bright side of things, find something that keeps you running...and I suppose what makes the routine even more bearable for me is the fact that I'm doing what I love...it keeps me going. Do what you love and seek for the pros...it may be all you need to add flavor to it all.  

Tweet #4

As my father always says, " Just do the right thing!"

Basically I have no supervisor on sight and the temptation to do 'the wrong thing' can creep up on you. What I realized though was that I wake up every day to go to work so that's what i'm going to do work. No cutting corners...my honesty will serve me good one day. 

Tweet #5

"The value of my rest and alone time has increased significantly.... (sigh)"

So as I mentioned earlier I have less time now for anything!! The tweet above was post a moment of frustration. Time with just me has become really hard to come by. After spending time at work, then catching up with family and friends, time alone is just so inviting. I miss having whole days to just chill outside in the sun with a novel and a cup of tea :( Those where my reflective moments and well I suppose the lesson learnt here is never take for granted the time you have with yourself, the peace and serenity that comes with it is like nothing else. Cherish those times...I'm thinking in a few years time I could be married with a husband and kids AND A JOB, God knows where I'll get time for Chido :( 

Tweet #6

"Finally wrote about my Job Hunt Experience : Here it is in the form of "10 pointers from my Experience" http://myheartsimpressions.blogspot.com/2013/11/the-job-hunt-10-pointers-from-my.html "

So in the midst of it all I found time to blog about actually looking for a job. This is probably one of the most helpful posts I've written (in my opinion) and I recommend it to anyone currently on the hunt. Look at me recommending myself :D. What I got from this is despite complaining about never having any time I MADE TIME for this blog post and it turned out to be a pretty helpful ones soooo when it matters MAKE TIME!!!! 

Tweet #7

"My locks are losing their hairginity today!  Yikeeeees!!!!! :/"

Less time to sit and do my own hair...one of the hugest compromises I have ever had to make but I guess its also one of the things that comes with the turf. Lesson : Sometimes you've got to give up some stuff...like doing your own hair. zvakaoma! 

Tweet #8

"Wishing I could crawl back into bed and curl up into a warm ball of me!!!! But anyway.....off to work it is. #Monday"

Yes, that Monday thing is real. I think there is a biological way of explaining it. Mondays aren't the best of days. 

Tweet #9

"Reading about HIV testing and counseling after having shadowed on the job and realizing practical learning is so much more effective!"

So my background is in Biomedical Science and I'm working in a more specialized field with Pediatric HIV (research, testing and counselling) so I have had to learn a lot on the job. I also took it upon myself to read more into the field and discovered that my practical learning has stuck a whole lot more and more easily than studying the subject. The value of work experience is truly significant and I now have a much better appreciation of why employers seek after it so much. 

Tweet #10

"Not doing what you need to do on time will always catch up with you!! Just do It!!!"

Self explanatory - Procrastination doesn't help anyone. Don't wait for deadlines to catch up with you. 

Tweet #11

"HIV is not an emergency"This is what seems to be the general rule at clinics when it comes to HIV testing and initiating ARVs in Harare.

Yeah the general outlook from an external point of view is that HIV is this big bad monster that we need to hunt down and kill, right? But when it comes to treatment and care the approach is very different. Although people are encouraged to get tested and get on treatment, HIV is not an emergency. If a person comes to the clinic and wants to get tested it is NOT an Emergency. HIV doesn't kill anyone, its a whole host of opportunistic infections that does so we deal with that first then work with the HIV issue. At first I really didn't get this but it makes a lot of sense and works hand in hand with people having to go through counselling and ensuring treatment adherence. Once again #i'mlearning. 

Tweet #12

"Automatically a "mbuya" because ndoshanda paclinic!!! Hahaha inga kukura hakutane! LOL"

Yes so now i'm used to 'mbuya status' although I'm the youngest employee at all the clinics I've been stationed at so far. I guess some things come with the turf.

Tweet #13

"Just seen a kid with a real LIVE fat breathing WORM in their foot!!!!! Amaiweeeeee... #clinicexperiences"

I have had many nasty and bizarre experiences including one incidence where a woman came with a needle in her wrist. How it got there, I don't know but this is just the tip of the ice berg. Weird things happen in this world...the stuff you read about or see on TV but never really come face to face with. I guess it's the spice of life :D 

Tweet #14

"Just received news that the first ever child I recruited at work two months ago passed away this holiday...she was 11. Feeling more determined about going back to the clinic on Monday. This is the harsh reality of HIV/AIDS." 

This was extremely sad for me and the self proclaimed hero status sprung from this.Since I received this news I have a reason to get up every day that goes beyond just getting a salary for myself to buy shoes. I knew this before but this was one serious reiteration. Harsh encounters often give meaning to life.

Tweet #15

"Interesting discovery of the day : Condoms distributed (in bulk) at Primary Health Care Centers in Zimbabwe are 'made in Korea'."

Some stuff not so important but interesting all the same. This was one of my 'who knew' moments...I have these often. 

Tweet #16 

"I may be at the bottom of the food chain but my role is just as significant."

Right now I really am at the bottom of the food chain but like I said my role is just as significant. It doesn't decrease my worth and the role I play is very critical on top of this being awesome experience. What I learnt from this is although I'm at the bottom now, this is my incubation period. I will work hard and do my best here (right at the bottom) and push till I get to the top. Some personal motivation :)

I hope you managed to get something out of my rantings. 

XOXO

Chido Dziva Chikwari 

Oh yes if you like you can follow me on twitter my twitter handle is @chidodc 

Stay Smiling!! 

A CITY ON A HILL

Living for an audience

Performing to a crowd

Sent forth to do your work

God you told me I was the light.

Your hands and your feet on this earth I stand,

I serve your kingdom!

Shining forth your Glory.

A display of your kindness,

Your mercy, Your LOVE.

God you told me go Forth.

“How else will they know unless someone Preach?

You told me go forth

To shine for Your Kingdom,

To Love,

To Preach. 

Living for an Audience

Performing to a crowd

God you told me I was the LIGHT!

A City on a Hill

Biblical Reference

“You are the LIGHT of the World.

A city on a hill cannot be hidden.

Neither do people light up a lamp and put it under a bowl.

Instead,

They put it on a stand and it gives light to everyone in the house.

Let your LIGHT shine before men,

That they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven” ^{Mathew 5 vs14-16}

“How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in?

And how can they believe in one of whom they have not heard?

And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? ”^{Romans 10:14}

Background jargon

This piece was inspired by a thought I had a few days ago pertaining to my self-image and how I would like the world to view me (NEW YEAR NEW ME blah blah blah). I was hoping they would see this cool, classy but really chilled girl and from that moment of pondering on how to better emulate the brand I wanted Chido to be, lol, I started thinking about the scripture mentioned above and to me it sort of encapsulated what my self-image should really be about. I am meant to be a LIGHT right and my mandate is really to shine for God and to do good deeds so that God be glorified through me. And it sort of dawned upon me even deeper that as a Christian who I am and how I am isn’t simply for me but in actual fact the Bible tells us to be salt and light TO THE WORLD. The bible tells us that we are Gods representatives on earth and that there is no other way that people will know about him unless we preach the word to them; our lives (how we live) must be a testimony.

I am a city on a Hill. How I live my life and what I do with it matters because I’m on a stage serving God. I should be more purposeful about being a light, speaking the word of God, showing kindness and Love for the advancement of Gods Kingdom.

Right! Now being on a stage all the time and performing is no easy feat. That definitely can’t be easy but I think once you have it in mind that OK I’m a city on a Hill, I’m being watched and I’m representing the King of Kings here it sort of gets better. Imagine being a proxy for the Queen of England, or the Pope, or your President. One way or another you will step up your game and the truth of the matter is right now you are a proxy for the one who created the heavens and the earth, He chose you to be his hands and feet and the amazing thing is that The verse says that YOU ARE A LIGHT, there is nothing more you need to do because you already are the light…all you have to do is LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE!!  J That’s pretty awesome to me!!

I’m not a fan of posting other people stuff on my blog but yes a pretty cool reference point here would be that really inspiring speech by Marianne Williamson – Our Deepest Fear. You can find it here à http://skdesigns.com/internet/articles/quotes/williamson/our_deepest_fear/  

*LeT  YOUr Light Shine!*

XOXO

Chido Dziva Chikwari

P.S I’d like to make a special mention of someone very important who has been reading my blog diligently. J I’ve always written for myself coz I enjoy it and feel like I’ve accomplished something after I’m done but you have reminded me that although I write for me I’m also writing to an audience and that’s  not only relevant with this post but it’s also just really really encouraging for me. My wish has always been that my writing speak to someone and well you have been that confirmation. I like your voice notes, you like my blogs soooo this one is for you!! J You know who you are, Thank you for reading and for pushing me to write more! Much Love!!!

HE SAYS HE ‘LIKES’ ME

Why I get so upset when a guy tells me he likes me…or wants us to date!

The butterflies seize and as I gaze into his face I start to think,

I think,

Of that promise of tomorrow,

That old familiar feeling,

Yesterday’s story,

I don’t want to go back there,

As the butterflies seize and I gaze into his face I start to think,

I think,

Are you here to stay?

Can I trust you?

Do you mean what you say?

I don’t want to go back there,

And as the butterflies seize and I gaze into his face I start to think,

I think,

I think about love lost,

Love lost but not forgotten,

So many promises we shared, Together forever we said,

To an end marred with tears,

I don’t want to go back there,

That’s why,

Why I get so upset when a guy tells me he likes me...or wants us to date!

XOXO

Chido Dziva Chikwari

I’m not sure how best to put this but yes, those are my feelings aired. When I love I go all out…boy-girl relationships that is and past experiences have taught me a thing or two. I’m often told I hold onto things way too much but yes the bottom line is I’m sick and tired of dating for things to end. I’m sick and tired of ‘short term investments’….and I’ve learnt that people often say things they don’t mean or can’t deliver (whether it be intentionally or unintentionally) so when a guy tells me he likes me or wants us to date for me it goes much deeper than the butterflies….it goes much further to who is this, why are they saying this, do they mean this, can I trust them, where is this relationship headed, will it work? I THINK!!!

Most times just because we make good friends and get along it really doesn’t mean we should date and I believe thinking a lot more critically about these things and looking further than just the romance and butterflies will save you from all the treachery, darkness and fake lights of a broken relationship.

I'll take my time! 

The Job Hunt: 10 Pointers from My Experience

Here lies 10 pointers from MY job hunt experience! A list of things I kept telling myself and discovered while looking for formal employment. I was on the hunt for exactly three months and this month I finally got a job, Hurray!!! This is probably why I felt compelled to write this blog post and share what I learnt. Hope it helps someone... :) 

Lesson #1

Often you are selling yourself NOT your qualifications. Hoards of people with degrees are unemployed. 

• What sets you apart?
• Your character traits? 
• Your skill sets? 
• Your extracurricular activities?

Lesson #2

CV - Your CV often goes places before you do; work on it. 

This pointer is self-explanatory but basically it is essential consider your CV to be your face.

• What does it show? 
• What does it say?
• Be conscious of your audience and your competition. 
• Employers receive tonnes of CVs, how will yours get to the short list pile? 

Lesson #3

Networking - People Matter!

 It really is about WHO you know! 

Both your strong and weak ties can prove to be very essential on the job hunt. Here lies your support structure and your hope for that extra edge. This may be how you get your foot in the door to begin with. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics, 70% of all jobs are found through networking. Your networks are a great information source SO: 

• Expose yourself- Network
• Send Emails, Ask Questions
• Do not be afraid to sell yourself. Be confident and STEP Out! 

Lesson #4

Morale is Key and Persistence Pays! 

It can get depressing and you can get demoralized. The statistics can get you down; many people won’t reply your emails and some will simply bounce back. Many individuals will ask for your CV and the story will end there. Rejection is real and “I’m sorry but we are not able to offer you the position” is likely to happen. DO NOT LOSE HOPE!!! 

• Keep Trying. 
• Send a second email, don’t be shy! People can get busy and forget to reply.
• Any news even bad news is better than no news. 

Lesson #5

Be Productive – Make sure you do something every day. It keeps you busy, engaged and active. 

Sitting is counterproductive. This will boost your CV while you hunt and keep you stimulated.

‘Something’ can be nurturing a hobby, sporting activities, writing, skills building, anything! 

Purpose to be productive! Have something to say when you meet with potential employers, “I've been sitting at home” does not look good! My pastor always says, ‘Involvement is the key to your call’. Soo..... 

• Keep busy - (this includes 'job hunt' activities)
• Get involved somewhere - clubs, societies
• Volunteer!!!!.

Lesson #6

Interviews are both formal and informal. 

Everyone you meet is a potential employer. Always be on your A GAME!!! 

Lesson #7

Carry a copy of your CV at all times. You never know!

 

Lesson #7 is a direct follow on from lesson #6. I took my grandmother to the dentist one day and during her consultation the dentist and I got to talking. He asked me what I was doing and asked me to leave a copy of my CV with the receptionist. I didn't have a copy on me and needless to say, Lesson Learnt!!! 

Lesson #8

Be ready to answer the tough questions. 

• What exactly do you want?
• Time-frames? 
• Availability?
• Salary?
• Your life plan? 
• Strategy? 
• And of course the annoying ones……. “How’s the Job Hunt?” …..ummmm I don’t know “Fun?”  

Lesson #9

Dressing is important (or so I've been told).

It contributes a great deal to how you are perceived. When you enter a room it’s not your eloquent use of the English language that interviewers are looking at! In the Zimbabwean context I have also been told that trousers can be offensive/ intimidating. I suppose this one lies mostly with your discretion. 

Lesson #10

Be Prepared to FIGHT! 

It’s a dog eat dog world out there. Your mental state is important. You will often be forced to prove yourself, be ready! HOLD ONTO HOPE. and whatever you do Do not give up!!! 

XOXO 

Chido Dziva Chikwari

Sooo for three months I volunteered with an amazing charity, I joined a book club, I joined toastmasters, I wrote, I did errands at home, I upped my church attendance, I kept myself busy!! I met a lot of people who offered to help. I sent a lot of emails (my CV mostly) and I applied for quite a number of vacancies. I didn’t get responses from many of them. I did have many moments of despair (3 months isn’t too long but as the days pile up inclination to worry increases) and what kept me going was my faith; knowing that God had a plan and that things were going to work out eventually. If I didn’t get a specific job then it wasn’t for me anyway.

I really hope this helps somebody and hopefully I will be writing about my first ever work experience after graduation soon! 

Many thanks to all my friends and family for all the pressure and “How’s the Job hunt going?” questions. LOL 

Your support and encouragement kept me going. To those of you that connected me with potential employers, asked around for me, sent me links, and took me out….Thank YOU! May God bless you all…. 

LET’S SEE WHATS NEXT!!!

Biblical Reference 

 

Philippians 1:6 

For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.

Isaiah 40.31

but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Remember the People

This is a piece based on one of my most impressionable moments upon returning to Zimbabwe.

I’m sure a great number of people in the world are aware of the economic crisis in Zimbabwe, the deep rooted corruption, the vast inflation, the loss of our currency, the cholera outbreak, the HIV/AIDS pandemic and all of the statistics (although not so accurate) that surround these. However, what I really want to highlight today is The People. The statistics and economic happenings are taking part in and shaping the lives of the people…

I want to direct this blog post mainly to our current leaders, our future leaders, legislators, policy makers, business people and anybody with the capacity understand: Remember the People!

One of my character traits is that I like to talk to people a lot so each time I stop at a traffic light I’m talking to the guys that are selling airtime, every time I’m sitting somewhere or standing in line I’m constantly finding myself engaging in conversation with different people from all walks of life.

If you live in Harare or frequent the CBD I am sure you are aware of the groups of people that harass motorists, for example; when you are trying to park your car they run towards you and vigorously direct you  to get into a particular parking space, they sometimes offer to wash your car and they are always there by your window when you are trying to get out of the parking space with their arms stretched out ready to receive saying, “Ko Sister hamuna kana 5Rand?” – My sister so you have at least 50cents. On top of this being a real nuisance, I often look at them and think why can’t you just leave me alone, I don’t have money just to give away and I can very well park my car on my own. One of the things that has sort of struck my heart is that these are people like myself who are actually trying to make a living and this is their means. This light bulb moment was brought about by  a young man who goes by the name of George.

I met George four years ago and an interesting relationship ensued mainly because I am a creature of habit and got used to parking my car in the same spot each time I went into the city centre. This spot happened to be in his area and George was one of those guys dressed in rags and constantly looking like he is high on some cheap drug or alcohol pleading, “Ko Sister hamuna kana 5Rand?” As is my custom George and I got to talking and every time I went into town George would sort of take care of me by making sure my car is looked after (I doubt if there was a need for that) and in exchange I would give him any spare change I had. Over the years he also began to open up to me and told me how he had a wife and a new-born son in the rural areas. He told me he is here in Harare trying to make something out of his life so he washes people’s cars and he does the whole parking thing. In essence at the time to me he was just a guy on the street with a story to tell. No big deal.

I went away for a year and when I came back in August I went back to my usual parking spot and routinely asked the guys there where George was. Unfortunately no one there knew of him and technically speaking he was just a guy out there living on the streets, sleeping wherever he could and there was no way that I could ever track him down. This really saddened me and for some time I really wondered what became of him. In my mind it was mostly horror stories of him getting sick and having died with no medical treatment or overdosing on Zed (cheap alcohol).

Three months into my return I went to a different area in town and after parking my car a young man dressed in his Yellow Easipark uniform (Easipark is a company working in conjunction with the municipality of Harare making people pay for parking in town it functions in a very similar way to the nuisances I described earlier but with much less on offer) runs towards me smiling from ear to ear and he says, “Makadii henyu Sisi Chido?” – How are you sister Chido. It took me a moment to realise that it was George because dressed all smart in his black pants, yellow shirt, yellow cap and electronic receipt machine he was a different man. I was in awe. We started talking and he told me how he finally got a job, how he is renting one room in Mbare, how his kid is now four years old and how now he has a steady income guaranteed at the end of each month so he can plan ahead. He spoke of how he is happy that he no longer has to literally beg strangers for coins every day and doesn’t have to worry about being harassed by city council workers in a bid to clean up the city centre.

I cried tears of joy after meeting George. I was happy to see an actual change in his life, not just in the way he looked physically but also the boost in his confidence. When I was now alone later on this encounter led me to think about all those guys on the streets selling airtime. When you call them from wherever you are they get up and sprint towards you just to give you $1 airtime and that is how they are making a living. Out there in the scorching sun or in the beating rain the guy is there at 6am and he will still be there at 8pm selling airtime. With my discussions with one of them I found that he sells airtime during the day and doubles up as a security guard at night. The truth of the matter though is that these people are really really hard working individuals, people that want to make something out of their lives, people that don’t necessarily want to be out on the streets harassing you for 5Rands on a daily basis, trying to sell you masau or chicken flings and Jupiter’s, trying to sell you car chargers, fridge magnets, ironing boards, shoe racks, you name it. They are trying to build up their sustenance and the reality is that the occurrences in Zimbabwe over the past 10 years have affected people who want to do something and our leaders, us as individuals in the corporate world, us as individuals who are aspiring to build a better Zimbabwe, aspiring to break the cycle of poverty must remember the people.

image source: www.telegraph..co.uk

We must remember George, we must remember ana Tashinga (10) and Simba (17)  who are two street kids that I met during a lunchtime prayer meeting. They have found themselves on the streets after their grandmother who used to take care of them in Chipinge passed away a year ago. Their mother and father are diseased, they both were HIV positive and now these two orphans are living on the street trying to get by. I speak to Simba and he is not used to being on the streets, he doesn’t want to be there, he is ashamed of his current circumstances and he wants to make something of his life. He wants to work. In fact whenever he comes across somebody who needs some piece work done he celebrates, he sweeps the backyards of shop owners complexes for $1 and if somebody wants to have their gardening done he is there and he is looking for opportunities like this. I know and understand that we are all stretched and hard pressed but I also believe that If we keep them in mind and if we make it a point to creatively think of ways to support and assist them I know that not only will Zimbabwe be a better place but most importantly the lives of people will be made better.

Please be reminded that begging is not Simbas life plan, it is not his vision and he doesn’t want to sleep outside in the cold. Please be reminded that because of a window of opportunity George is now a working man, cleaned up, dressed nice and financially supporting his wife and son. Two extremes with the same beginning. There is hope.

Remember the People

image source: www.bulawayo24..com

XOXO

Chido Dziva Chikwari

P.S. With operation Murambatsvina (the demolition of illegal structures) now making a comeback I understand we all, the people and our policy makers desire to have the city restored to its sunshine status, however, as we do so please may we remember the people. Who is living in these structures? Why are they living there? And what can we do for them?

P.S. 2 So George finally got a job, I knew him for 4 years beforehand while he was on the streets and coincidentally I’m kind of relating to him more now because I am currently looking for a job. I’ve been on this hunt since August and so far it has been nothing short of a character building exercise. My story will be very different from Georges but I am glad to be going through this because although I am privileged in so many ways it’s an insider experience that I have heard many others before me speak of and I’m looking forward to sharing it on this blog soon! Keep an eye out!