Somehow like a song in my dream, increasing in intensity and guiding me as I awake - I woke up to the sound of Fight Song by Rachel Platten. It is on my child's playlist for in-house exercise aka ‘physical play’. Haha! I remember the beginning of my relationship with the song. It was one of my personal collection of songs that nursed and inspired me through a period of intense confusion and fear. A life-changing experience that taught me in very clear terms that sometimes ends are necessary no matter how painful. They need not be the end of the story, but an opportunity for rebirth, new beginnings.
🎶 "My power’s turned on, starting right now I’d be strong.” 🎶
I have become more aware and embracing of rebirths especially ones that I am able to be intentional and purposeful about. Interestingly, this month, I went through another form of rebirth, this time a career one. The month commenced with me knowing there is a big leap ahead. I left my previous job at the end of week one, paused deliberately in the second week to re-center and began a new, transformative experience at my new job in the 3rd week. The interview journey and onboarding process which started way before my first day, is one that stands out in all of my job experiences thus far. The two teams in charge of the recruitment and welcoming went all out to show their amazing warm, innovative, inclusive, performance-driven culture right from my first interaction. My expectations of my new employer and of myself are very high - I may have found my ‘work-home’, my 'docking station,' for what I hope will be a long period, to fulfill my personal mission, which is aligned with the organization’s mission. Fingers crossed. 🤞
Taking a step back, many of what February 2021 mean beyond job transition is not lost on me. It is Black History Month in the US, 11th of February being the International Day of Women and Girls in Science (one of my favorite days), 1-year memory of the passing of my father-figure and teacher, Alh. Ayo Adeyemi’s (on the day I started my new job), confirmation of Madam Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (NOI) as next Director-General of the World Trade Organization, announcement of Thasunda Brown Duckett as new CEO of the Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America (TIAA) - becoming the second Black female CEO in the Fortune 500, and so much more.
The International Day of Women and Girls in Science reminded me of my journey to 'here'! Taking the road less traveled. Loving the various forms of science that warmed my heart - Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Physics and Information Technology. Over time, I have been able to blend them up into this career in Health Informatics on the back of my Medical Degree. It has been such a transformational ride requiring lofty aspirations, smart work, resilience and relationship building. I hope others, especially girls give themselves the permission to dream regardless of labels, and get the support they need to live and transcend those dreams.
🎶Like a small boat on the ocean, sending big waves into motion🎶
The NOI story was a great way to think of the power of one. Cheers to another glass ceiling being broken! How the story unfolded is however another reminder of how unfairly some view the accomplishments of blacks and females, the unequal and unfair standards. Check out NOI’s accomplishments - black women should not have to work ‘10times’ as hard to earn the same position as fellow men or people of other races. A lesson about the need for continued collective effort at equity, yet a celebration of excellence and resilience.
I recognize the various dimensions of me - the intersectionality- and I embrace all my experiences. As I continue to learn, do and grow, I remain committed to healthcare, education and equity. I’ll continue to make way for others, especially those who look like me, to dare to dream. Encouraging them to let curiosity and bravery help them realize they belong in every space they have a passion for, with open minds, forever learning habits, resilience, and smart work. Find or create your fertile land and blossom! Live your best lives. Live Now.
🎶"Like how a single word Can make a heart open I might only have one match But I can make an explosion"🎶
Child, you are blessed! It is a new season. Embrace it. Flourish and bring your value to light.
Onwards!
(c) Bilqees 2021