Lindah’s story is a powerful reminder that resilience, passion, and the willingness to embrace every opportunity can turn challenges into stepping stones. As she steps into the professional world, her journey at Strathmore University has prepared her to make a significant impact in the field of communications, translating the power of words into action.

We live in a world where words wield the power to shape perceptions and change lives. Lindah Ajuna epitomizes this truth. Her journey from a high school student intrigued by literature to a communications graduate from Strathmore University is a testament to the transformative power of language and determination. 

“My name is Ajuna Lindah, and I am to be a communications graduate,” Lindah begins, her voice filled with passion. “I got fascinated by communications during my A-levels. I really enjoyed literature and was intrigued by how the same exact sentence could have such different meanings depending on the tone and context. I knew words had power, but my A-level literature opened my eyes to just how in-depth language can be. The opportunity to study communications and make it a profession seemed like a calling.”

Strathmore University became the backdrop for Lindah’s academic journey, a place she chose for its reputation of excellence beyond academics. However, her path was far from smooth. “My academic journey has been a complete misadventure with its highs and lows,” she admits. “The most challenging time was during the COVID classes. I studied my entire first year online, which made it difficult for me to keep engaged with the 3-hour classes and make any connections with my classmates. Learning a year’s worth of content in about four months was intense, not to mention doing two sets of exams back to back.”

Despite these challenges, Lindah found joy in the vibrant debates that erupted during classes. “I enjoyed listening to different perspectives and opinions,” she recalls. “It gave me insight into different backgrounds and expanded my understanding of various topics.”

Yet, not all experiences were positive. Lindah recounts a particularly challenging work-based learning (WBL) placement: “My host supervisor was discriminatory and inappropriate. This made the working experience extremely difficult and the following months were a mental and emotional toll. I had to appeal to the examination board not to fail me because my supervisor had failed me.”

Nevertheless, Lindah’s resilience shone through. She found solace and growth in her lecturers’ support and guidance. “My lecturers have always encouraged me to be my most authentic self, even though I clashed with some,” she explains. “Mr. Fred Waga influenced me to always be in the know of current events, ensuring my views were always relevant and sharp. Dr. Beatrice Njeru shaped the way I carry out my presentations, ensuring that I have made relevant in-depth research.”

Lindah’s extracurricular activities also played a crucial role in her development. She was involved in Red Cross and various volunteering activities, which initially aimed to build her CV but eventually became a personal passion. “Volunteering, especially with children, reawakened my spirit,” she shares.

Her internships further honed her skills. “My Work Based Learning placement at Rwazi Limited taught me the importance of never turning down an opportunity. It placed me in situations outside my comfort zone, such as impromptu presentations in front of large audiences, cold calls, emails, and various client relations.”

Strathmore University equipped Lindah with both technical and soft skills essential for the professional world. “The presence of the careers office helped me learn to craft a CV, cover letter, and how to apply for internships and jobs. The mentorship office allowed me to pick my own mentor, Dr. Njeru, who guided me both professionally and personally.”

Reflecting on her time at Strathmore, Lindah wishes she had utilized more opportunities to network and grow. “If I was not so shy and closed off, I would have pursued more clubs, webinars, and talks,” she says.

Balancing academic responsibilities with personal life was a journey in itself. “I cried a lot during my first year,” she admits. “But then I adopted an ‘I can’t come and kill myself’ mentality. A Google calendar became my best friend, scheduling everything from assignments to hangouts. I also took mental health days to rest and decompress.”

To incoming communications students, Lindah offers sage advice: “Communication is not just journalism. Be open to learning everything the course has to offer. Do not set yourself on one strict path but be open to all there is to learn.”

Article written by: Stephen Wakhu