Darwin Chapuswike
L2 Support Engineer | Lusaka Province, Zambia
L2 Support Engineer | Lusaka Province, Zambia
April 24, 2025
“That’s right! We are not here forever. Go after your dreams and build the life YOU want. Do not be trapped by dogma, which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Do not let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice.” These words have been echoing in my mind lately, especially as I reflect on my journey as an L2 Support Engineer at NetOne Zambia. An recent encounter with a snake, captured in the photo below, became a powerful symbol of transformation and urgency, a reminder to shed limitations and pursue what truly matters. In this post, I explore how these words resonate with my career and personal growth, urging us all to listen to our inner voice.
While on a walk in Lusaka, Zambia, in early April 2025, I came across this snake, its scales glistening as it moved with purpose along a branch. The image captures its intense focus, a reminder of nature’s ability to adapt and transform. Snakes shed their skin to grow, leaving behind what no longer serves them. This struck me as a metaphor for our own lives; we, too, must shed the dogma and doubts that hold us back. The snake’s presence felt like a nudge to act on the words: “We are not here forever.” Time is finite, and we must build the life we want, free from others’ expectations.
As an L2 Support Engineer, I have often faced the trap of dogma, those unspoken rules or expectations that can stifle innovation. Early in my role at NetOne, I hesitated to propose a new approach to information security, worried it might deviate from standard procedures. But I remembered the access control project in April 2025, where I pushed past doubt to lead a successful installation with Mukuka. Listening to my inner voice, I proposed a solution that improved information security on user end point devices, proving that breaking free from rigid thinking can lead to real progress. Dogma, as the quote warns, is just the result of others’ thinking, it should not define our path.
The noise of others’ opinions can be deafening, especially in a field like IT where everyone has a “better” way to do things. I recall the theme compatibility challenge I tackled in March 2025 at NetOne. Some colleagues doubted my approach, suggesting I stick to conventional methods. But I trusted my instincts, researched a fix, and implemented it successfully, much like I did during my NIPA days with the “Eat Cookie” activity in 2021. The quote’s advice to not let others’ opinions drown out your inner voice reminds me to stay true to my vision, whether I am troubleshooting a network issue or pursuing a personal dream.
At NetOne, I am constantly reminded that time is fleeting, we are not here forever. This realization pushes me to build the career I want, not the one others expect. I have taken on challenging projects, like the access control system, because they align with my passion for solving problems and growing as a professional. The snake’s transformation mirrors my own journey, shedding self doubt and external pressures to become a more confident engineer. By focusing on my dreams, like mentoring junior colleagues or mastering new technologies, I am creating a life that reflects my true aspirations, not someone else’s.
The snake in the photo and the powerful words, “We are not here forever” serve as a wake up call. Life is too short to be trapped by dogma or silenced by others’ opinions. As I continue my journey at NetOne, I am committed to chasing my dreams, listening to my inner voice, and building the life I want. I hope this reflection inspires you to do the same, shed what holds you back, trust your instincts, and pursue what truly matters to you. #ChaseYourDreams #BreakFreeFromDogma #ListenToYourInnerVoice #NetOneZambia