Life is full of surprises

by Malose Edward Matlala (South Africa)

Making a local connection South Africa

I took a leap of faith and it paid out quiet excitingly for me.To think of it,I might not have explored other places,countries or continents.To cut the story short,I applied to a nearby hospital at the Department of Health for a records management learnership.I remember it very well.I was about to submit my application only to find out that I was late.I did not know about the working hours for the hospital.Discovering that I was late for direct submission,I checked the other office if there was someone who can submit the application on my behalf the following day.Luckily,I found a noble gentleman who was willing to save my day.Quickly before I left his office,he flipped my curriculum vitae and pinned down his eyes on my matric results.Then he congratulated me for passing matriculation with good marks.It did not end there.He then advised me to go to the Head Office of Department of Health which is located in the city of the province.He guided me to go there and apply for local government bursaries.He remarked that I was deserving of such sponsor since I am qualified.In the mid year during May month,I visited the Head office.I was welcomed with warm hands.The officials were glad that I took the chance.Mr Phillip was very kind to me.To my suprise,he even gave me an International Cuban Medicine scholarship to apply for as well.This is the schorlarship that is a liasion between President of South Africa Nelson Mandela and President of Cuba Fidel Castro.In September 2005,I was given a call by the officials from Head Office that I was awarded the scholarship to study overseas.I could not believe my ears and my eyes.There I was!...so excited.I could not wait to share the good news with my family.My father encouraged me to pursue my dream of becoming a medical doctor.My mom,on the other hand was against the opportunity unleashed.She cited that perhaps I would catch home sickness syndrome.I became conflicted since my parents were not agreeing on the same goal to be achieved by their son.It was a golden opportunity given so I had to make a choice.I could not let it pass me by.In a speed of light,everything was arranged for a farewell ceremony for all the successfull applicants.We were seventy five of us from different districts and municipalities.We were given a sheer surreal send off at Bolivia Lodge.We assembled with special dignitaries from the Department of Health,parents and aspiring students there.It was my first time being at a lodge and dining from a banquet.The experience was awesome and it made me feel like a very important person.We applied for passports and we jetted off via Spain to get to Cuba in October 2005.It was a connecting flight.....TO BE CONTINUED ABOUT THE FLIGHT