I can still vividly remember the very day I received my first salary. The amount wasn't big, though, but the feeling of making my own money without relying on my parents anymore was bigger than the money I received.
I had just graduated from the university and didn't want to stay back at home waiting for my internship, but traveled to Abuja immediately in search of a private clinic where I could be working while waiting for my internship placement. It wasn't long, and I secured a job as a dental technologist in one of the private dental clinics in Abuja, precisely where I did my industrial training (IT). I established a positive relationship with them while on my IT, and that became an added advantage for my request. Even though I wanted a different clinic for my internship, they still accepted me for a temporary job in the lab.
I could still remember the interview and many hours of practicals I went through before securing the job, which wasn't easy, but then, my first pay made me forget the lots of stress and made me feel fulfilled. Upon receiving the alert, I quickly used my ATM card to withdraw the whole fund, set out my tithe in an envelope, and held the rest of the money in my palm, admiring myself and my effort. I said to myself, Now I am becoming independent; my hustle has paid off, and indeed the beginning of something new in my life.
I took a quick reflection of those days of night classes in the university, those days of group studies, seminar presentations, practicals, and impromptu quizzes, hahaha 😂, and I kept smiling uncontrollably, glaring at the salary in my palm. Yes, I did it! When I reached home that very day, I thought about how I would spend my salary, and then I remembered my mom's advice. She once said, "Remember everyone that made an impact on your education when you receive your first salary". Wow, that statement rang in my head, and I said to myself, yes, a lot of people deserve some appreciation, no matter how small it is. I am not going to use this money for any fashion or Brazilian wigs, but I appreciate those that helped me navigate through the financial load associated with schooling.
I first used part of the salary to make a nice meal for me and my cousin and his family, who I stayed with in the house in Abuja, as my little way of appreciating their assistance to me so far, and they were glad I could be thoughtful enough to feed the family with my salary for that day. The next day, I sent the remaining money to my mom and pleaded with her to help me dispatch the money appropriately and as she advised. A lot of people would have said no if I requested the account number myself, but Mum knew how to play her game and ensure that the money was dispatched just as it was supposed to.
The feeling was golden, satisfactory, and exciting. I doubt if I would ever forget my memorable experience with my first salary.
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