“Are you sure you will manage?” Exploring Work-Life Integration Amidst Radical Changes
As Director of Planning and Health Financing in the Ministry of Health Rwanda, I thought I had reached the top of my career path, in my comfort zone with all the respect and praises around me. But I was uncomfortable. I had a purpose: to ensure that the population has access to high-quality care without suffering financial hardships. But, sitting in my position, it was next to impossible to put into practice what that means. I decided it was time to explore another part of research in public health.
In 2023, I took my first step: I was accepted into Doctor of Public Health in Leadership, Management, and Policy at the Boston University School of Public Health. Actually, it was less of a step and more of a series of hurdles: leaving my current employment and family commitments. I heard whispers in my ears, “Are you sure you will manage?” A mother of two and expecting a new baby soon, how could I handle all this and be where I want to be? In January 2025 I started my DrPH semester at BU, with the coldness and transitioning to a new environment with three children, the youngest only five months old. Now this was going to be challenging. I had to do something radically different.
It turned out that the “something radically different” started when I joined Emerging World Leaders (EWL), a career mentorship program at my school. Our second small-group mentoring session was on work-life balance with a focus on mental health. It was perfect timing: I had sleepless nights with a five-month-old baby and assignment due dates all on my shoulders at once. Not forgetting the seven year-old and eight year-old children who have to be supported to do their homework and all their wellbeing! I thought I was mistaken to have taken this decision and maybe it wasn’t the right timing, but thanks to the different mentorship sessions that I gained more encouragement and support and I felt not alone.
EWL mentorship sessions were always the “feel at home” moments for me, I liked when everyone would share their career journey and how they overcame life’s challenges. In a group of four mentees with very open and personal sharing time, I not only learned new things but I felt encouraged by every person’s professional development because l learnt that I can be somewhere I want to be if I stay resilient.
Today in my third semester, I have a pretty calm environment, working on projects that interest me. Health care financing policies that enable access to affordable care is my dream and I am already getting on the right path through my courses and training. I am very proud of my radical decision. I believe everything is possible with a willingness to try a new thing.
