Yes, you read that right. But before you go about your investigation of whether I’m a merman spearheading the campaign for #allsealifematter, think of those lines in a figurative sense. I’ll give you time to do so. Ok, I meant being versatile.
Okay, now that I’ve got your attention, I shall reveal my intro piece’s intent. Ummmm, it is still related to the opener. But you get me.
So, I joined the ID Africa family some weeks back. March 1st, to be precise. That date held a lot of significance because Okonjo Iweala resumed her job at WTO on the same day. #Twinnie. I knew her job wasn’t going to be a walk in the park, but neither would mine.
Unlike her, I resumed work that morning, staring at my computer screen. Instead of walking up the stairs in Ankara or hurrying to get to the bus stop, I sat on a swivel chair staring at the photos (some were blank) of my colleagues’ Zoom profiles. I learned how to memorise voices instead of faces. Then the Zoom incident occurred.
I had logged in, left my mic unmuted, and went about my business around the house. This situation resulted in Tolu from TMM scampering to reach me through any means possible. The rest, well, you all know how it went. #bummer. Hey, but I’m so good at using it now. Stop snickering.
Days into the job, I came to realise it required much more than my writing skills. Think of it this way: a Twitter-savvy writer, proficient in email correspondence, and has Merlin’s magical powers to conjure stories to conform to the African narrative. Oh, snap. Did I mention I’m still struggling with the website’s SEO from the backend? Well, I’ll get there.
With all these, I realised that it was the universe preparing me for things I long wished. During my days as a freelance writer hopping between major newspaper publication houses, I had said to myself, ‘one day, you will write for Vogue Magazine.’
At the time, I knew my skills couldn’t match the profile of a Vogue Writer. But you know the thing about ‘one day,’ it’s like the lottery you want to win someday.
Maybe I’d get it, and perhaps I won’t, but somehow, the role here prepares me for that. I don’t know how long it’ll take, but understand I’d put up a billboard when I do. No, you won’t miss it by any chance.
Now, here’s to octopus and Vogue. Huzzah!