Ah, the art of journalism. I never thought I would be a journalist, to be honest. But I was always passionate about writing.
I studied for a degree in English at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (but let’s face it, those of us who there prior to the name change will always call it Poly or Polytech), but I had no idea what I was going to do with my life after I was done.
People always thought I would become a teacher, but my heart wasn’t in it. I mean, if you saw me today, you’d think I’m 15 years old! Anyway, in my third year of university, my lecturer at the time, Kelly Fulkerson-Dikuua, heard that The Namibian was looking for an intern and suggested I apply.
I was excited! I’ve been reading the newspaper for years and even contributed to the Readers Contributions section right here in YouthPaper. It’s funny; I’m writing my goodbye article in the same place my story began.
By God’s grace, I got the job and worked as an intern for what was supposed to be three months. It turned to six, then a year, and bam! I was employed at The Namibian.
In that first year, I remember trying my best to learn everything I could as fast I could, because I wanted to know absolutely everything about how the newspaper worked. I won’t lie, it was incredibly overwhelming. I had to go to events where I felt completely alone, and as an introvert, the job required me to break out of my shell and actually talk to people.
I can’t tell you how many events I’ve been to because of YouthPaper. Everything you can think of, really: University openings, award ceremonies, graduations, donations… I covered it all.
And each day, I found myself loving absolutely every part of it. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree and suddenly, it was time for honours. That was one of the most difficult and stressful years of my life! Before the university changed the curriculum, you had to dive right into your honour’s degree. Wow. Doing research and working simultaneously is not a piece of cake. My colleagues would tell you that I’d finish my articles for the day and sit on the floor of the office typing away on my laptop because all the assignments we received wouldn’t let me breathe.
No one tells you how overwhelming things can be when you’re trying to support yourself by having a job and still keep up your grades. Without the support I had, I think I would have drowned! Honestly, my friends and family are the best.
Once I gave in my thesis – which took blood, sweat and tears to complete – the weight on my shoulders was off! I graduated for the second time, and I can’t tell you how incredible it felt to finally get my honours degree.
Ever since then, life has been a series of adventures with The Namibian. The team even put me in charge of YouthPaper!
One thing that stands out for me about these past few years is a letter I received from prison, which I keep neatly tucked away in my library at home. It’s addressed directly to me, and shares a story that really inspires me. Sometimes I wonder if I’ve made a difference and if people even read the stories I write, but that letter and all the messages I receive on social media reassure me that I’ve done my part.
To all the people I’ve met on my journey, it was wonderful to shake your hand, say hello and tell your story. To my friends at The Namibian Critical Thinking Cup, you guys have been awesome – never stop debating. The country needs you. To the students who want to give up, don’t. You may just find your pot of gold the moment you’re ready to quit. And to YouthPaper, thank you for being a part of my life. Sad as it may be, it’s time for me to hand over the reigns to new hands.
I’ll never give up writing, though, so I’m not completely gone. Cheers, all!
Netumbo Nekomba has been journalist at The Namibian for the past five years.
– @MickeyNekomba on social media
