By Deborah Chinyelum
And just like that, what began six months ago has come to an end. For some reason, I’m having mixed feelings. I mean, I literally spent half the year with Fides. How time flies.
I remember early this year, I wasn’t sure where I would have my Industrial Training. I did have options, but none appealed to me. Fast forward to April, I met a certain someone who suggested Fides to me and I decided there and then that this was where I was going to be. Was I sure it was the right choice? Of course not, but I went regardless.
I got there on a Monday morning, was part of the meeting held that day and loved the way issues were raised and tackled, (or so I thought). After the meeting, you can guess I had high expectations. The meeting we held with the Production Manager after our tour round the media house further cemented my expectations.
Well, two weeks after, I wasn’t so sure anymore. Was this really what I signed up for? I expected that we would follow a particular programme. I had asked about it during the meeting and I got a positive response. So, why was everything not working according to plan? Is there no structure here? No system? No organization? These were questions that ran through my mind at that point in time. For a moment, I thought of leaving, but then I decided to stay.
I remember when I wrote on my first day in Fides, I asked if it was too early to draw conclusions, turns out it was really too early.
Since I didn’t want to be idle, I had to step out myself. Well, a couple of days after, I began to work in the Studio and News Department. I had actually started something, and it felt good. If only I knew what I had just signed up for. Because once I actually started, the impromptu assignments, late nights, the weekend events, began to feel like my life wanted to be taken from me. I remember saying out loud that my life didn’t revolve around Fides. I began to wonder if it was really what I asked for. Should I have gone when I thought of it?
But then, I was exposed to things I had no idea about previously. This was the place I learnt photography, and honed my writing skills. The things I questioned were the things that propelled me. I discovered new passions and got set on a new course.
Meanwhile, I met wonderful people in Fides, very accommodating and friendly, and that, in itself, was comforting. From the very first person I saw, Mr. Israel (a serving corps member at the time, one who helped me get in – strong-willed, yet patient and kind) to other corps members, Miss Joy (whose presence was always comforting); Miss Yemisi and Miss Jessica (generous and playful). Mr Emma (my very patient and funny teacher); Mr Amos (the playful yet serious Studio Manager), people I learnt from in different areas.
There were also Mr Alexander Adejoh (the storytelling, easygoing and accessible Production Manager); Mr Abuchi Onwumelu (that I was referred to before I came, who also gave me my first news report to write); Mrs Maria (always happy, and knew how to make me smile); Miss Oluchi (never short of words, helping me on different occasions); Mr Ugochukwu; Mr Victor, Mr Ken (in absentia); Miss Rita, the lovely graphics crew.
Fr Constantine (that ushered me in), more recently; Mr. Jacobson Koryele (the one I could have certain conversations with); Miss Blessing Nebo (another person I could discuss about different things comfortably with); Miss Silk Adigwe (calm and always smiling).
Not forgetting Lady Ifeoma Nwadi (mummy that always had a counsel); Mr Steve (that was always looking out for me and encouraging me, one of the reasons I stayed till the end); Oga Romanus (that would always inform me that he read my article, it was always soothing to hear); the finishers: Miss Kelechi (that once made my hair without charge); Mrs Chinasa and Miss Oluchi (two funny individuals).
Mr. Jude Atupulazi (the one person that made me start to love writing. I’d always disliked it prior to Fides); and Peace Ikechukwu (my friend, my gist partner, my sister). All these people made my stay interesting. If there’s anything I’m grateful for, it’s the people I met in Fides. They were always ready to teach, to guide and to help. They really lived up to the name – Fides Family.
Hmmm… this phase has passed, but the lessons remain. Honestly, I’m glad I finished, and finished well. The me, six months ago, is definitely different from, the me presently.
I can confidently say, ‘my Industrial Training was a huge success!’
