"I swear to God, this is all I have as a second-year surgical resident at Hawassa University (see pic). I managed to live like this for a while, but recently, I can’t even afford this anymore. Rent and food prices are rising, and it’s becoming impossible to keep up. Before joining the residency program, I worked for over four years as a general practitioner. And now, despite all that experience, I’m struggling to make ends meet. Ironically, I’m currently hosting a first-year resident friend—he hasn't received any salary yet, which is typical for the first four or so months of residency here. That’s the reality. Recently, I applied for a labor job in Romania. If God wills, and I get the opportunity, I’m leaving this country for good. Funny how life turns out—back in grade 12, I was awarded by Demeke Mekonnen (then Minister of Education) for being the second-highest scorer from SNNPR on the national exam. And look at me now. This country is something else."