A Flood of Uncertainty

The devastating flood that ravaged my country Nigeria, especially the south south region of the country, in my case Bayelsa state and disrupted my plans to write the Professional Examination for Pharmacists (PEP). This exam is a critical milestone in my journey to becoming a licensed pharmacist, and the flood's timing couldn't have been more unfortunate.

The Importance of the PEP Examination
The PEP examination is a computer based test that assesses a candidate's knowledge, skills, and competencies in pharmacy practice, passing this exam is a prerequisite for licensing and registration with the pharmacy council,the exam is offered twice in a year, March and October and mine was scheduled for October of 2022.

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The Flood and Its Aftermath
Within the second to third quarter of 2022, the floodwaters rose, destroying roads and infrastructure, making it impossible for me to travel to port-harcourt for the exam ,i was devastated but still hoping that before the month of October the flood water most have reduced, but no it didn't, Not only had I spent months preparing for the exam, but I had also been looking forward to taking the next step in my career.

The Consequences of Delaying the Exam
When I learned that I would have to defer my exam to the following year, I felt a sense of disappointment and frustration, i had been told that the earlier you write the exam, the more seniority you gain in the profession. By delaying my exam, i would be losing my advantage and potentially being placed at the same level as my juniors but I guess I was just overthinking.

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Financial Concerns and Uncertainty
To make matters worse, i was informed that i would have to pay an additional registration fee of twenty thousand naira plus to take the exam the following year,this was a significant financial burden, and i worried about how i would afford it this made my thinking engine to rise,but thank goodness a memo was passed down by the council for those affected by the flood to send a mail down to them saying the reason why we had to differ by this we don't have to pay again.

The Added Pressure of National Service
As if these challenges weren't enough, i was also facing the uncertainty of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program, it has to be thesame year that I will be writing my PEP exam since it has been differed to 2023. I was worried about being posted to a faraway state, plus traveling to take the exams will be an added expenses, all these added to my worries making me to think all through and having sleepless nights. Until when i knew i could move the exam centre to another state, even though we have fewer centres in the country.

The Exam Day PEP 2023
Stepping into the examination hall already gave me worries because I have been occupied by work in the hospital since am on service NYSC I never fully had the time to read the way I had prepared the previous year, I was already pondering in my heart what might happen if I don't pass, different questions keep coming through my thoughts like:

1. What will those younger colleagues think of me when they know that am repeating the PEP exam, and that is if I don't pass for the first sitting
2. What if the council randomly brings out another rules that will not be favorable the next time.

I suddenly saw a senior colleagues of mine taking the exam for the 2nd time, and fear gripped me. After the exams I couldn't stop thinking until the result came out, I wasn't able to check myself, a friend of mine had to help me and thank God I made it on my first siting.

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Overthinking and Anxiety
The combination of these challenges sent my mind into overdrive. I found myself overthinking and worrying about the future. What if I failed the exam? What if I couldn't afford the registration fee? What if I was posted to a remote location for NYSC? The uncertainty and anxiety were overwhelming, and I struggled to sleep at night.

Looking back, I realize that the flood and its aftermath taught me valuable lessons about resilience, adaptability, and perseverance. I learned to focus on what I could control and to take things one step at a time. I also learned to prioritize my well-being and seek support when needed.
I am grateful for the experience as challenging as it was, it taught me to appreciate the little things in life.

Thank you so much for stopping by
@tehilah

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