After graduating on May 27, 2022, Phelister Apiyo had high hopes for her future. She envisioned securing a good job, completing her mother’s house in the village, and providing her family with a comfortable life. Confident that opportunities would soon arise, she trusted that God was watching over her and would not let her suffer.
However, life took an unexpected turn after she gave birth. “Eeeishhhhh life,” she reflects.
Two months after the birth of her child, Emsley, Phelister went for a routine family planning consultation. It was then that she received a shocking diagnosis: high blood pressure. This condition limited her options for family planning, leaving the coil as her only choice. Although she was prescribed medication for her high blood pressure, she chose not to take it. Her mother, who was even more worried than Phelister, insisted on avoiding the medication, fearing it would lead to lifelong dependency.
A year after giving birth, when hope seemed to be fading, an opportunity finally arose. A cleaning position became available, and Phelister seized it without hesitation. Reflecting on this decision, she shares a powerful insight: “I read somewhere that only those who are truly suffering will wake up from their comfortable bed. Until you’ve tasted the bitterness of life, you can’t judge any job.”
Phelister shared her journey on social media, recounting how her dreams after graduation were met with unexpected challenges. She wrote, “After graduating on May 27, 2022, I didn’t know what life had in store for me. I hoped to get a good job, finish my mum’s house in the village, help her as much as I could, live a comfortable life, and be a good mother. I believed opportunities would come, and that God was watching over me, ensuring I wouldn’t suffer.”
“But life had other plans,” she continued. “After giving birth, I was diagnosed with high blood pressure during a family planning visit two months after Emsley’s birth. They told me I could only use the coil for family planning and even prescribed medication for my blood pressure, which I never used. My mother, more stressed than I was, insisted I avoid the medication, fearing the dependency it might create.”
“A year later, when a cleaning job opportunity arose, I didn’t hesitate. I had read somewhere that only those who truly suffer will wake up from their comfortable bed. It’s only when you’ve tasted the bitterness of life that you’ll stop judging a job.”
Phelister’s story is a testament to resilience and the unexpected paths life can take. She hints at sharing more of her journey, including how carrying her degree certificate sometimes became a disadvantage. “Have a nice day, y’all ❤️” she signs off, leaving her followers inspired by her determination.
