My MSCCAFS journey at NUI Galway officially came to an end on the 28th of August, 2020 after submitting my thesis. Despite all the challenges posed by having to conduct a research remotely, it got done. All thanks to the support of the lecturers at the faculty, various stakeholders back home in Zambia, friends and family.
Being away from home in the midst of a pandemic coupled with uncertainties regarding the research was mentally draining and caused so much anxiety on my part. However, it gave me an opportunity to explore ways of managing anxiety. I started jogging to the beach every morning, this gave me a sense of achievement and helped me to feel positive about tasks that lay ahead of me for the day. The beautiful scenery and sea waves made me look forward to my next jogging session the next morning. Mother nature to the rescue. In addition, I spent every opportunity I got to watch Christmas movies (crazy right?). Anyway, who doesn't want to feel the Christmas spirit everyday especially during something as draining as a pandemic? This experience reminded me of the fact that there is always a way out of a situation, you can always find something to make you feel better.
My journey at NUI Galway has been a life changing experience. I have learnt much more than I had anticipated to have learnt, long life skills that I believe have enhanced my career prospective and lifetime friendships that I hold so dear to my heart. My group of friends/course mates formed a very important support system for me as I worked on my research during the pandemic and throughout my stay in Galway. I look forward to sharing the vast knowledge that I have acquired from NUIG with colleagues and the farmers I work with in Luanshya district as I report back for work.
Well, it might be the end of my journey at NUI Galway but it is a beginning of a new phase of my life that I so much look forward to. I feel more confident to take up new challenges that are posed by new opportunities. My outlook on life has definitely changed and I feel so confident about what I have to offer the world. As I close the door to this phase of my life, I am very excited to open a new door to the next level of my life. The future is filled with so many uncertainties but I am so excited to face it!