US VISA

This was his third time of applying for a US Visa.

His two previous applications were rejected. 

This time around he took his time, got some certifications and attached all. 

He couldn't hold back tears,😢 when his application was rejected again.

His two friends from medical school had theirs approved. He couldn't understand why his was different.

He remembered that no one had successfully travelled out in his family.

His two uncles also tried and failed in their attempt to travel out close to 4 times. 

Will this be his fate too?😢

For a moment, he concluded that his family had been cursed by someone.

He decided to try his best here in Naija after all home is home.

He took up a role in a small private hospital not too far from his house.

After 1 year, he moved to a bigger hospital with a better pay compared to his former place. 

Right there in the city of Lagos, he paid for some highly rated medical grading courses online and also attended some physical workshops in his field.

Three years past, one of his friends from medical school who traveled out of the country, got a job in a very big hospital in England.

This hospital needed a doctor with certain credentials and wouldn't mind flying in anyone from anywhere in the world. 

Due his staff status, he got the information first-hand. 

He forwarded the application link to his medical set 2013 WhatsApp page. 

This our guy wasn't online when it was posted 🙆🏽‍♂️. 

He came online in the evening, saw it, clicked to see the requirements and observed that he had almost all the credentials stated. Thanks to all the online and physical certification he had been doing.

He immediately applied. 

The HR team of the hospital reviewed the applicants from all over the world and shortlisted to 10 persons. 

His name was on the list as they sent him a mail to notify him. 

The 10 of them were directed to hospitals in their home country to have a live assesment interview. 

His was in Lagos State.

The interview time was fixed for 12pm prompt.

A day before the assessment, he moved to the area of the hospital and booked a room in a hotel not too far from the hospital in Ikeja.

He went over his notes, saw some videos on YouTube and prayed hard before sleeping. 

On the day of the interview, it rained cats and dogs. 

At 10am, he entered the rain and trekked to the venue of the interview as he couldn't get a bus or bike.

He got to the venue wet but he didn't care.

He could not miss this opportunity.

The interview was held and each person's session recorded.

He was told that they will get back to each candidate on the choice of the hospital.

The first week, nothing. Every day, he would refresh his email app countless times.

After two full-weeks, he got a congratulatory mail from the hospital, he has been selected. They asked that he should submit his details for the processing of his Visa.

He couldn't hold back tears. He cried rolling on the floor. 

Within a month, he travelled to America without breaking a sweat. 

What you are chasing now will soon chase you if you don't stop building up yourself.

Oluwapelumi Awe