My, My, Time Flies!
26
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Weeks turn into months, and I’m settling into my new role with a growing sense of confidence and enthusiasm. Amidst the busy workdays and continuous learning, I find myself building not just a career but also meaningful connections.
My mornings often start with checking emails and catching up on tasks, collaborating seamlessly with my team via meetings and video calls. My interactions with colleagues from across the globe, particularly Charles, have become an integral part of my daily routine. Our discussions about work, life, and the occasional cultural exchange helps me feel more connected at work.
I would say he has quickly become my reliable point of contact as his insight into the industry and his willingness to share his knowledge have become invaluable to me.
Through the project we’re collaborating on, I’ve learned to appreciate Charles’ strong work ethic and creative problem-solving skills. I also admire his ability to balance a demanding job with a personal life that seems rich and fulfilling. Just one thing though—he has a girlfriend, but I think he needs a real girlfriend. That’s a story for another day.
While immersed in work tasks, a LinkedIn notification pops up on my screen. Curious, I click on it to find a connection request from someone whose full name and profile picture causes my heart to beat like a drum for a popular masquerade dance.
Evans Eke—I haven’t thought about him in years.
Why is he reaching out? After all these years… What does he want? Why not through Instagram, Facebook or another non-professional social network? Does he need a referral? Where is he now?
Despite having many questions, I accept the connection. From his profile, I see he now works in the USA. Within moments, a message from him appears in my inbox. As I read it, I feel a mix of surprise, curiosity, and a touch of nostalgia.
Evans was a good friend. We shared some good times back in Hopewell Uni, but… I wanted other things and our paths diverged, leading us to different places and experiences.
In his messages, he asks about my life, work, and how things have been since we last crossed paths. I respond politely, maintaining a friendly tone, sharing a bit about my Ireland journey and my current role in data analytics. More like engaging in a conversation without revealing too much personal information.
I’m happy to hear from him, we never parted on bad terms, yet this feels strange. Is he genuinely reconnecting or is there something else behind his messages?
I acknowledge now that I kind of did him dirty. So, while I appreciate him reaching out, I’m treading cautiously and not letting nostalgia cloud my judgment.
Then it drops.
New Message from Evans:
I’m actually reaching out to you for a specific reason. I’ve been involved with an NGO and we’re looking for mentors. Your experience caught my eye.
Hu h, what? Me? A mentor?
Please calm down. I’m still learning the rudimentary parts of my career.
Me:
This sounds like a wonderful initiative.
Tell me more about it.
He proceeds to share details and links about the NGO’s mission, goals, and their focus on empowering young African girls in the tech field, starting with Nigeria.
This isn’t focused on green energy, but it’s more like his thing. Am I surprised Evans Eke is still on his perspire-to-aspire save Nigeria mission?
He explains that they’re actively seeking mentors to guide and inspire these aspiring minds, highlighting the potential impact I could have on these young girls’ lives.
His words take me by surprise, and I find myself intrigued by the idea of being a mentor to young girls who share my passion for technology. The thought of making a positive impact on their lives and being part of something bigger than myself has me in a chokehold.
I type out my response; I’m genuinely interested in being a part of this. Can you provide more information about the mentorship program itself and what’s involved?
New Message from Evans:
Of course! We’re looking for mentors who can commit to regular interactions with the mentees, guiding them through their tech journey, offering advice, and helping them build their skills. And you don’t have to always be present. We have an upcoming event you can participate in. That’s the real reason I’m reaching out. We don’t have loads of female figures in this field that’s still heavily male-dominated.
Me:
This is a cause I can definitely get behind. But let me start small. What’s the event about?
The rest of our conversation is history because I’m on board! It still amazes me that I never would have thought of doing or being a part of something like this and now Evans, connecting with me out of the blues is offering the opportunity to be a speaker.
I’m grateful for the chance to play a role in empowering the next generation of tech enthusiasts and to use my experience to guide them on their journey. Just the thought of being able to make a difference in the lives of these young girls fills me with a sense of fulfillment that goes beyond my personal ambitions. If I’m feeling this way for just accepting to do this, how would I feel when I’m done.
Splendid!
My day at work comes to an end, and I gather my belongings, feeling a sense of satisfaction for the progress I’ve made. My conversation with Evans lingers in my mind, filling me with joy. It’s heartening to know he’s doing well and that he’s actively involved in meaningful initiatives.
Stepping out of the building, the cool evening breeze brushes against my skin, and I can’t wait to get home. I love the new space I recently moved to. It has a lot of light coming into the room and the kitchen walls are covered in cute, patterned wallpaper. I’ll save up enough to get a car soon. And yes, I’m already prepping G-Ben to come study over here. This year is definitely my year.
Oh, let’s not forget that Special and I have been in a blissful cocoon of surplus love and joy. We’ve been surprising ourselves with gifts and deliveries every other week.
Walking down the familiar path home, I pull out my phone and begin typing a message to Special to let him know about the volunteer event and who reached out, but my fingers hesitate over the keyboard.
Was I too impulsive in agreeing to volunteer without discussing it with him first? Umm… do I really need to tell him who reached out? He used to crack silly jokes about Evans, which would lead to me defending Evans. That often escalated into something more. I really don’t like it when we have misunderstandings, and it’s usually my fault. The event isn’t until weeks from now, so I can always change my mind and avoid the drama of mentioning Evans’ name.
After a moment of contemplation, I decide that half bread is better than none. Picking up from our ongoing conversation, I type a message.
Me:
I got invited to volunteer as a mentor for a mentorship program for young girls in tech living in Nigeria. Their vision and goals were inspiring, and I accepted to speak at the upcoming event on the spot.
Lol. You can call me mentor Fifi ??
I hit send and watch the message get marked as delivered. Seconds tick by, and I find myself anxiously waiting for his response. Part of me hopes for his support, while another part worries about his reaction.
His reply finally comes when I open my front door. Apprehensive, I open the message.
New Message from Special Love:
Mentor Fifi!
Congratulations ????
Smiling like I just won the lottery, I set about preparing a simple dinner for myself which consists of white rice and vegetable sauce.
With dinner on the cooker, I settle onto my couch and grab my laptop. I find myself drawn to a YouTube video of a Nigerian lady sharing her immigration journey to Canada. She speaks passionately about her experiences, the challenges she faced, and the opportunities she discovered in a new country. As I listen, a twinge of nostalgia and longing for home tugs at my heart.
Lost in thought, I’m brought back to the present by the familiar chime of my phone, indicating an incoming video call. It’s Special, as expected.
“My mentor!”
Chuckling, I answer, “Yes mentee, how can I help you today?”
“Please how do I get into tech?” he teases. “See my baby!”
“Stop it, you’re making me shy,” I say, covering my face with one hand.
“Shy for what? Abegi!”
We both chuckle, but I notice he looks tired more than usual. “Are you okay?” I ask.
“I’m good, I’m good. Just a busy schedule at work. First off, how’s my baby doing? How was your day?”
I tell him about my day at work, the new tasks I’ve taken on, and the connections I’ve been making with colleagues. I skip over the part about Evans and the mentorship opportunity for now, choosing to focus on other aspects.
As I recount my day, he responds with genuine interest, asking follow-up questions and offering his insights. We talk about our plans for the weekend, our thoughts on current political events in Nigeria, and trending entertainment gist.
Dinner is ready, so I excuse myself to grab a plate. We continue our conversation while I eat, the sound of his voice a comforting presence in the room. He tells me about his day, the challenges he’s facing at work, and the latest news from back home in Nigeria.
With the call nearing its end, he asks, “Are you still planning to watch those Korean dramas later?”
“Yeah, I’ve got a couple of episodes lined up. It’s become a nice way to wind down.”
He teases, “I still can’t believe you’re watching K-dramas.”
“Hey, you liked it when you tried it. Besides, it’s a good way to escape into a different world for a while.”
We say our goodnights, and I hang up with a sense of contentment and a bittersweet longing. Our conversation always leaves me with warmth in my heart. I wish I could sleep in his arms tonight.
Soon...
Rubicon has branches in the UK. Once I figure out how to go about relocating, I’ll present it to him.
Tsk, I grin, he’s going to be so shocked.