I believe in hard work, and just as the usual saying, if the work must be done, it must be done well. Just as every young graduate dreams of joining the workforce right after school.
I was one of the young graduates ready to contribute my quota to the national development of my country. My greatest desire after completing my first degree in Information & Communications Technology at the University of Education in Winneba, was to do my service at the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), but fortunately or unfortunately I found myself at the IT department of the only Teaching hospital in the central region, Cape Coast.
I have so many interesting stories from the hospital to share with you. In fact, I can write a whole book on that, but that’s another story for another day.
I wish I could share my day to day activity from when I get to the office till when I leave the iron gates of the hospital. In summary, my daily activity was all about fixing and solving technical system issues as the IT administrator of such a big institution. Imagine the demand for attention from every corner of the hospital.
Every moment spent at work was worth it because I felt like a hero. Hahahaha, I was a life savior; not to the patients in the hospital but to the staff. Because my technical support was of great value to the overall goal of saving lives. The fact that my attention was needed every now and then ignited a different vibe in me, which pushed me to do more and gave out my best.
Do I qualify to be called a hero? Your guess is as good as mine.
20 years from now, I can call myself a hero, maybe. In the midst of a pandemic, I made a decision to work in a hospital. And even when I got infected with covid 19 and had to be quarantined for days, after recovery, by God’s grace my energy level was exceptional.
These are stories I shall be telling my children later in life. And everyone who wants to talk about a sense of responsibility and patriotism.
Work in Cape Coast Teaching Hospital (CCTH) was very hectic, yet I never missed a day. Even on weekends I was present at work. Days I had an engagement outside Cape Coast, I asked for permission 3 days before from my boss, I never took a French leave. I was involved in every extra office engagement and team bonding activities. Yes, I then realized how extracurricular activities in school were of benefit. Life is not all about work. Socialization plays a key role.
One of my proudest moments were times I felt I went the extra mile to work even after work hours just to get the task done. Working in the hospital during the period of the pandemic was risky.
In just a short period, I became popular among administrators, nurses, doctors and the rest of the team. Funny enough, a lot of people thought I was a permanent staff.
You really don’t have to feel inferior as a NSS person, just go with the flow, dress well, communicate well, relate well with your peers and superiors. Also know your limit, don’t trivialize any relationship. There were a lot of good times, I remember some days I had some tips, free lunch and free ride, from work to home. I can’t forget these days.
All days weren’t smooth, I had some oppositions, the office politics was there, some people didn’t like me, that is fine I don’t like everyone too. I remember one day, two guys came to me, telling me to stop being too serious with work, and that I can’t impress anyone. I bet you, these words didn’t break me. It encouraged me to do more.
I was focused, I just wanted a job after my NSS, I was working on that right from the first month of service, I polished my skills, I wrote my CV several times to suit a lot of roles. I tried a lot of job applications, I did a lot of interviews, spoke to friends and people I think could help me get a job.
Two weeks after my NSS, I was promised a job, I had jobs, I had to choose one finally, glory be to God. In all, I have learnt to trust in God, pray and play hard, not to listen to what everyone says, planning is key, because if you don’t plan you plan to fail.
I have learnt to be open to opportunities, find mentors – follow those who know the road. And lastly, Kingmakers don’t look like kings.
Life is short, it is the moments that count.
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Author: Confidence Mawusi
