Ten months ago, I started a one-year contract as a CorpsAfrica Volunteer, the period seemed too much especially living and serving not only in a remote environment but also in an area enduring hardships. The fear of the unknown that I suffered before deployment vanished with no time after deployment, I only have less than two months remaining, but now what next after July?

Having served diligently in the community, they may want to keep me, how well will I convince them that my period of service is over? Will the project we did together exist even after I leave? When I enter the job market, will the managers believe me when I say I am flexible, self-driven, goal-oriented, and able to work with minimal or no supervision and offer me a job? Will they need my service in case they need more than a year’s experience? will they train me to suit their job description rather than challenge my degree? Etc.

When I think of the dreams of brighter days, my mind is troubled considering the economic dynamics. Whatever awaits me immediately after I get out of service is a threat to me, should I not locate a good job immediately. I only have two main fears: one, how will I have the bills cleared, the poverty mindset and, how will I start my job?  the investor’s mindset. I promised myself never to return to my parents until I could prove the fruits of their investment in my education. I believe there is light at the end of the tunnel, I haven’t lost hope, and one day I will be proud of myself, tears only last for a fortnight then what comes next…? Will I maintain the same smile after my service? Let time tell.