IBSU 2024: The Employer. The Position. The Recognition.

A Rare Year in My Life

March 8, 2024, dawned like any other day, but little did I know it would set the course for one of the most memorable years of my life. I walked into IBSUniversity that morning as a Library Assistant—a quiet job for someone who is, obviously, accustomed to reading for excerpts, wordsmithing, and the simple pleasure of helping others.

The overall atmosphere was welcoming because the people there were kind enough - to a certain extent - the work was honest, and the days were fulfilling. Yet, something deep inside me stirred—a somewhat fleeting urge to contribute more, to create something lasting. I had dreams, yes, but I tucked them away like pages of a favorite book, thinking I’d open them someday.

But fate, it seemed, had plans of its own.

The Position

It started with a promotion. Just four months into my role, I was named the Communication & Creative Solutions Specialist—a title as fancy as it sounded. My task? To help breathe life into the new IBSUniversity website with words that sparkled like stars in the night sky.

I joined the website development team, which meant long hours, drafts upon drafts, and the sweet satisfaction of seeing it all come together. I also had to step up as Team Leader, Library & Information Services, since the Peter Drucker Library was without a Chief Librarian or even a Library Manager for that matter. Juggling both roles with a quiet determination was a new kind of experience for me and I had to adapt. And adapt I did with flying colors.

My proudest moment? Writing "Our Journey", IBSU's life story. The article itself was the most anticipated read by the IBS Founder himself, Sir Mick Nades.

With his direction, I executed the narrative accordingly. In the end, it wasn’t just words on paper—it was the heartbeat of an institution, told with reverence and pride.

The Award

And then came November. I thought the year had given me all its gifts, but it had saved the best for last. During an unexpected event celebration, I found myself standing among eleven other employees, my heart pounding in my chest.

The Founder’s Award for Outstanding Performance was handed to me, recognizing my effective contributions toward promoting library services, the only one who managed to bring IBS's journey to the world, and expertly contributed articles to the new IBSU website.

Personally, deep down, it was all God's doing, not mine. Am just a tool. But being human as I am, created by the Creator Himself with emotions, it felt both humbling and affirming.

Touches of Sarcasm aside, that particular moment was like a chillout melody I’d remember for a long time—each note, each rhythm came with infinite gratitude and validation.

A Year to Remember

Looking back, 2024 wasn’t just about titles, projects, or even awards. It showed what happens when you show up with an open heart, ready to give your best. I learned that growth doesn’t always come in leaps—it comes in moments of quiet dedication, in showing up every day with purpose.

Though this is my story and my experiences, anyone can relate; those who know what it's like to get up, dress up, and show up, no matter how you feel; those who let their work do the talking, the silent achievers, the domineering kind, they can relate. It’s a story for anyone who’s ever dreamed big, worked quietly, and waited patiently for life to surprise them.

And surprise me it did.

#ThankYouLord #ThankYou #IBSU2024

(Soundtrack: Carry Me - Kygo feat. Julia Michaels)

About the author

Akilino Powesiu ??? is a skilled web content writer and Communication & Creative Solutions Specialist at IBSUniversity. Self-taught and experienced, he excels in crafting engaging articles for various websites, including hausples.com.pg and Be Pacific Digital Agency. His insightful pieces have even been featured in notable newspapers like the Post Courier and The National. In his free time, Akilino enjoys reading ?? and watching movies ??, drawing inspiration from diverse excerpts.