3 minute read
Finding Purpose for The Now
By Andrew Mfitimukiza, Archives Assistant, ARM Unit/RSCE
“We are pleased to inform you that the Head of Mission/Office has selected you …” The email read in part notifying me of my selection as the successful candidate to join the UN. The memory of the joy, excitement is still fresh in my heart like it happened only yesterday.
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I couldn’t wait for the reporting day. Working with the UN is a dream come true for me.
The trainings I was asked to complete before reporting, the onboarding process on my first day, the excellent customer care I received from the staff left a great first impression. It was just a confirmation of all the good imaginations I had about the UN environment.
I looked forward to starting my work.
My Chief & teammates made me feel very comfortable. They trained me and showed me everything I needed to know to get going. I knew I could always consult them wherever I got stuck or forgot something, and they never got tired of explaining things repeatedly.
About 3 to 4 months into my service, having become comfortable with the job, I was shocked that I started to feel bored.
“Andrew, you can’t be serious!” I thought to myself. “This is an organization you have dreamed of working with, so what now? You are paid well, the people are great, working conditions & environment are great, so what else do you want?”
I wanted to be sure this was a genuine feeling, and I just wasn’t developing a bad attitude. I took time to reflect and after a few days, I understood what was getting me bored.
With systems & structures for my work already in place, I didn’t have to think a lot or be very creative. I just needed to run on the rails that had already been set. That routine became boring pretty fast, because I felt like the creative part in me was slowly dying. I needed to find a higher reason, a purpose & meaning to my routine, something to give me joy and fulfillment.
I imagined a child that can now attend school because there is stability in their community, a mother able to run a small business to take care of her family because her community is safe, a young father can now live longer and see his children grow up and hit different milestones in their lives.
This formed an image that I now see in my daily routine. I am not just processing records. I am ensuring there is peace, stability in Africa, children can attend school, families keep together in a safe environment.
I am reminded of a famous John F. Kennedy story; During a tour of NASA headquarters in 1961, he encountered a janitor mopping the floors.
“Why are you working so late?” Kennedy asked.
“Mr. President,” the janitor responded, “I’m helping put a man on the moon.”
Just like this janitor, I have found my purpose for the now. Using my skills to contribute to & support peace in Africa & the rest of the world.
What’s more fulfilling than living your life to serve and make lives of others better?
