I automatically applied when I first heard about Global Health Corps (GHC) opening applications – of course it was interesting because you got to travel to the U.S., but more importantly, it was an organization that was calling on young people and I have always wished to work in an environment with young people. I applauded myself for completing the first interview step; which was probably something I will never forget since I thought I was interviewed by a Burundian and a Kenyan (yet it was only Burundians). I also cannot forget that I got a call from Shema, the East Africa Program Manager, to inform me that I was selected for doing interviews and I asked him if I should bring something such as a paper or a pen (seriously on an interview?). He just responded, ”Bring only your brain (with a smile).”
A few weeks later, I learned that I was not selected. I was so sad, but since I had just graduated from university, I had to search for another job. At that time, I didn’t know what I had just missed; my time had not yet come. I got a job in banking and spent almost two years there until I asked myself if there were other opportunities in life where I could not only work for my own advantage but also for the sake of others in the community. I didn’t even know you could be in your office and serve the community at the same time (as I now do most of the time). Another GHC fellowship year application opened, and, as you could probably imagine, I applied again. This time I didn’t even reach the interview stage; I was just not selected. I have to be honest, during those two years, I didn’t even read or know information about GHC, I used to go to the website and click directly to the ”how to apply” section. Yes, that is not what we can call an intelligent process.
Meanwhile, I spent another year working at a bank, where I was OK with my job but where I also gained experience of working hard, despite a challenging environment. There came a moment that I really prayed God that He would just change my job. At the moment I felt like I really had to do something not only coming from my heart, but that would have an impact on others. And another fellowship year application had just started. That time I can’t say whether I had become wiser or more mature than the two years before, but I needed something new in my life.
In the fall of 2013, GHC applications came with many new conditions including TWO recommendation letters instead of one. This time, I had new experiences to share. With my application finally completed and submitted (with the two recommendation letters, because I had finally had work experience now), I had to just wait and see (for the third time…). “Après tout on a rien à perdre!” English translation: ”After all, you have nothing to lose Axel!” I felt like things went really fast this time, first interview, second interview, selection process, and then I was selected (yay!), contract and document signatures (I still don’t believe it), flying to U.S. (my first time on a plane), training at Yale (unforgettable moments),and finally my fellowship placement (back to reality and ready for the fellowship year).
The training at Yale finally became like real school for me. There were amazing lecturers, one after the other (I will never forget Noreen Kaleeba), young people with unbelievably long experiences (and you just ask them about their age and you get more shocked when you found you are even older than them and you are not really sure that you can call what you have an experience).
To know that social justice is linked with health equity, with leadership and with social development is probably what kept ticking in my mind up to now.
I have to say that before I applied for the third time, I read and searched for all information available about GHC (finally, mature or not?). Yes, I had a need for information. But it was really at Yale where I had revelation that I was in the right place to start my journey. Then, I had confirmation and a decision.
One of the most things that I will always like about GHC is that it can be a boost or a nudge for some, whereas it can also be a transition for others. But the most important thing of all is that no one ever knows who and what people might become in the future. For me, whatever or whoever I will be, I know that GHC has already made an indelible mark on my life, today and tomorrow.
The day I left Yale, I knew I had just started a new life and career journey. To be honest, I still don’t know where it will lead me, whether it will be perfect or not (probably not) and how big the challenges will be. What I do know deep inside of my heart is that I chose AND want to be part of this journey. And I know I have God on my side, so as his word says: “things will work out for my good” anyway.
