Namibian Sun

Evany van Wyk

How can I miss something that I didn’t even think I needed and how am I this strong to be able to move on to another chapter, leaving behind the past.

The fact is I am not strong; you see me standing, but I’m dying on the floor. ‘Stone cold’ as Demi Lovato would say. I am saying my final goodbyes to the most interesting chapter of my life and I can’t wait to see what the future holds. The first and only thing that I want to express clearly is that being part of The Zone has been the realest, scariest and most invigorating experience of my life.

A scared and meek girl walked into the office on her first day of work, but a strong, knowledgeable and changed young woman left on her last day. ‘Thank you’ is not enough to express my gratitude to an amazing team that has taught me so much about life.

To anyone thinking of joining the team: You will not be able to understand how intensely lucky you are. And in this instance, luck is a real thing, and you would have hit the jackpot.

Now no one forced me to write this column and sing any praises, but damn, it’s really difficult to write anything else but praises.

This is the type of work environment where going home is a drag, because it’s so much fun. You literally don’t want to miss out on all the action, the fun and the adrenaline rush of trying to get things done before deadline.

Yes, being tired is part of life, and I’ve been drained sometimes, but the whole ‘kavibe’ is worth it. That’s another thing I picked up, slang words.

‘Chommie girl’ it’s what makes every day a blast. The mistakes I’ve made have really had me down though, and doubting myself and my capabilities, but as they say ‘vat hom op die bors en dribble hom’. I have seriously become a full-fledged language killer, because I simply can’t stop talking like that.

Something in the way we always managed to do what seemed impossible has still got me shook; to the point where I am asking myself: Was I working with a team of superheroes? The answer is no, they are just hardworking, super-inspirational and they are all immensely beautiful, inside and out.

There is a certain level of passion that each and every one has for their work, and that for me is the most admirable. That is what I am chasing the PASSION.

Which begs the question: Why am I leaving? At this point in time I have no answer for that question. I have, however, always trusted my instincts, which is telling me that somewhere something great is waiting for me out there - something that I can’t even imagine and I can’t wait to see what it is.

I believe that when you are brave enough to say goodbye, then life will reward you with a ‘hello’. I can’t believe how lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.

The one thing that will probably stay with me the longest is the friends I have gained. To be honest, they are more like family and I’m so glad they chose me.

I found a way to express my love of writing and for that I will always be grateful. Language is a beautiful thing, even if mine is a bit broken at times. Expressing my opinion, but also being able to give other people a voice, was such a blessing. Not to mention all the important people I got to meet. ‘Hosh Marubaan’ - these are the memories that will always be with me and it only took a leap of faith. That small leap that had me believe for a second that I stood a small chance of getting this job. My advice is to be very vigilant when taking leaps of faith; things can very well go sideways real quick. That is my secret to life: Don’t take unnecessary risks and be the sunshine that brightens everyone’s day.