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    This week I ran my first career of the year, it was also my first competition out of my hometown. Initially hesitant, my friend's invitation pushed me to participate despite uncertainties about my readiness and mood, compounded by a hectic period of interviews and job evaluations.   Our destination was Yantzaza, a city we reached via a bus journey and then two and a half hours of travelling. During the trip, we engaged in lively conversation, sharing anecdotes and thoughts. Arriving past 6 pm, we found the weather pleasant though expectedly hot.   Upon arrival, the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation as participants and spectators gathered downtown. Amidst the crowd, an announcer and event staff set the stage for the competition. As dusk fell, more contenders readied themselves for the impending race.   Commencing around 7 pm, the competition featured various categories, starting with children and youths, followed by seniors and locals, and finally, the rema...

Working life has introduced me to a whole spectrum of folks, spanning different ages and backgrounds. It's fascinating how age can influence the dynamics within a group. Back in college, my peers were typically within the same age range as me, roughly 20 to 25. But stepping into the workforce erased that age barrier entirely.  In my interactions, I've noticed some distinct patterns. The younger crowd tends to wear their hearts on their sleeves, valuing ideas and relationships above all else. On the flip side, the older and mid-life crew often prioritize climbing the career ladder and accruing material success. Bosses come in all shapes and ages too. Seasoned veterans bring a calm, empathetic vibe to the table, having seen it all before. On the other hand, the millennial bosses I've encountered can be a bit more... fiery. They're quick to react and slow to forgive, making them a bit of a challenge to work with. Sure, millennials might be shaking things up and spearheadin...

This carnival holiday, and after weeks of preparation, my friends and I decided to gather to make a barbecue, the last time we prepare one was 6 o 7 years ago, so you can imagine how old we are now. Often finding a good time and place to hang out is difficult, partly because all of them either live in another city or have some job or affairs to attend. So this day was chosen for having a good lunch between us, our already reduced group of friends, the ones that still are here and I can see more often. At 11 am we gather in my friend's home to make a list and buy the ingredients to prepare a good barbecue. The expectations were not so high, none of us had vast experience preparing a BBQ, but we were already there, so we went to buy the meat, charcoal, some drinks, chips and sauces. We split the tasks, some had to light the charcoal, prepare the meal, cut some vegetables, prepare the ingredients. Over time, we could see how the meat was cooked over the fire. Around 3pm the meal was p...

Early this morning, my cousin sent me a message informing me that the Chevening update would be sent this week. After three months of anticipation, the results of the second screening were finally being dispatched. I remained calm; I had completed everything within my responsibility. I submitted all the required documents, filled out all forms, and applied for the university programs. As I mentioned last month, the waiting period can be the most challenging part of the process, fueled by the anxiety of not knowing if we meet the scholarship's expectations. As the days unfolded, I kept myself busy with side projects, household chores, and tackling day-to-day problems. When I eventually checked my email for the news, just like every morning, I found a message from the scholarship. Without hesitation, I opened the email, and my fear was confirmed—they had sent me a rejection notice. Unfortunately, they did not provide an explanation for my rejection; they only stated that they would n...