My Experience In Boot Camp So Far

Let’s kick start with a little bit of history seasoned with a pinch of naivete.

A while back I had the opportunity to work as an intern for one of the many private companies in Nairobi. It was a completely new experience for me and I was bubbling with excitement. Like all ladies my age — working for the first time — I had my cute outfits laid out, shoes, handbag, let’s not forget accessories to make this look pop.

But aside from that I also had expectations. Unlike most of my friends — who found it wise to share tales on their first internship experience — I wanted to be challenged and not sit behind a desk all day gazing at my watch waiting for 5 p.m. to ‘clock out’. As well as fantasies. We all have those. I had a notion that my first day would be all about training and being shown the ropes on how things go around there.

I got one but definitely missed out on the other. The work was challenging. In the working environment its termed as ‘baptism by fire’. Being bombarded with loads of work without any knowledge on how to start. I love asking questions to gain clarity so that I can also deliver work that is top notch but in this situation it was highly discouraged which dimmed my light — for a short while.

So when I joined boot camp, that light and fire was reignited. Yes the work is highly challenging, but my past experience trained me on how to navigate on my own. At boot camp no question is a stupid question and the process is highly encouraged as it’s also a way of learning and unblocking when you’re stuck in a certain problem. I’ve made new friends, some of which I’ve never met face to face and others I’ve been in the same room with for not more than half a day.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s not all roses and daisies. But some days are better than others and I bid you farewell with a quote from Norman Schwarzkopf

“The more we sweat in peace the less we bleed in war”

So let’s keep on moving!

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