Coffee makes Stratizens graduate, right? The morning queue at the coffee shop, everyone holding a mug. Because how else do you get through your mornings with a CAT at 8 AM, a presentation right after the CAT, classes till 5 PM, and two submissions due at 11:59 PM? This time, I am talking about a different kind of coffee, a cup of coffee for the soul! I am talking about new ways to cope. It could be a morning prayer at the Phase 1 chapel, some random act of kindness or a smile shared during the day, a hug with a friend when you’re all walking pretty fast to catch your 8:15 AM class (Okay, maybe a friendly wave with the Strathmore code in mind), a conversation over lunch with someone who gets it, people who encourage you to push through and be your best. As they say, what keeps you going!

How it starts:

A very subtle feeling, intertwined with the noise of packing your suitcases, getting anxious about your trip, checking if you have all your important documents, leaving behind all the familiar faces, and embracing the unknown. A mix of excitement and fear.And then comes the realization that you are in a new world, and obviously, the very innocent question: “Are you Kenyan?” becomes a daily anthem. Some shopkeepers comment, “Huyu si Mkenya, anaongea Kizungu mingi.”. I remember one day a matatu guy telling me “Naenda tao,” and I almost left the matatu because I knew I was going to town not to “tao”, not realizing “tao” meant the same thing. The look on his face and his exclamation, “Sasa wewe!” left me feeling more than an outsider. From learning new languages to keeping up with classes that become very intense in just a blink of an eye, you face a constant choice. You can either crawl into your bed, crying or calling home for a sob session, or watch movies to distract yourself from the changes. Alternatively, you can decide to learn through all the changes, force smiles, not faking but trying to have a normal day, find your new normal, get going, keeping your soul awake.

From Doubts to Roots:

Days turn into months. As you decide to embrace the changes or maybe get swept away by them, you learn to swim in the new sea. The doubts and confusion start to fade, everything starts to feel somehow not too far from familiar. At least you comfortably walk around school, you get the full flow of your classes, hold quick Swahili conversations, and faces become more familiar and more than pleasant to meet! The ones you set your eyes on, and glance a smile! It is no longer faking smiles; your heart is genuinely happy. You enter a room without holding your breath, you get home and make cute smiles thinking of the days you had, excited to face the following day, not just longing to get home to finally breathe or cry your heart out. You end up enjoying the new cultures, learning some Sheng, exploring new places, and making amazing friends! Flowers bloom again, you feel alive. You live, you laugh, you feel at home, a home built in a foreign land! At some point when leaving, you realize that you’re leaving a piece of your heart behind.

It’s a very connected process, I promise:

Fueling your soul is not a one-time event; it’s a continuous journey that profoundly impacts your academic life. When your soul is awakened, your focus sharpens on achieving academic excellence. This inner drive enhances your concentration during lectures and empowers you to seek assistance when necessary. Moreover, it fosters a genuine curiosity about the diverse career opportunities that lie ahead.

The support offered by Strathmore’s resources forms a dynamic ecosystem that nurtures your aspirations. From insightful career office workshops that provide practical skills to inspiring career summits that broaden your professional horizons, every interaction contributes to your growth. Casual coffee chats with seasoned professionals offer invaluable insights and mentorship, further fueling your ambitions. This supportive environment transforms your academic journey from mere classroom attendance to active knowledge absorption, each lesson adding to your evolving career vision.

While challenges inevitably arise, a fueled soul meets them head-on. You’re more inclined to seek guidance from peers, lecturers, and industry professionals, fostering a sense of community and belonging within the Strathmore community. Gratitude plays a significant role in this journey. You appreciate the guidance and support of lecturers who have walked alongside you, the dedicated faculty who have shaped your learning experience, and the mentoring team who have provided invaluable personal and academic support.

Coffee for the soul:

This goes to the staff who help with a warm face and service, mentors that encourage us. Honors to the wise ones who speak the truth you need to hear; representatives that encourage us to be our best; seniors that share their experiences and career advice; clubs that teach you fun facts. Also to friends who are willing to translate into English; the ones who gently correct you when you speak broken Swahili; the ones who treat you like their own. They do not go through the changes for you, but they fuel your soul to get back on track and push forward.

Also to Strathmore University, which has instilled values in me which resonate deeply with my personal beliefs. The international community at Strathmore which has provided a welcoming home away from home, offering acceptance and encouragement during moments when familiarity and comfort were most needed. This holistic support network has been instrumental in shaping my growth, both academically and personally, ensuring that I did not only thrive during my time at Strathmore but also carry forward these invaluable experiences and values throughout my life. I would like to extend a big Thank you!

A Final Hug for Newbies:

To all new international students, I am sending you a big hug. “It’s all good,” you are doing amazing. The mixed feelings, all the experiences, are part of your growth! Always, give your best, fuel your soul in the ways that feel right, reset and give your best again. Ça va! Ça ira mieux! (It’ll be alright! It will get better!)

Article written by Delicia Iradukunda, an International student from Burundi, first class honours #ClassOf2024 Informatics and Computer Science Graduate