Walking into the leadership mentoring seminar, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect or what I was getting myself into. All I knew was that I was going to spend three days with a group of young ladies I had never met before. Maybe I would learn a few leadership tips, at least, that’s what I told myself.

What I didn’t expect, however, was how transformative, hilarious, heartwarming, and deeply reflective the entire experience would be. From lessons on leadership to unexpected bonding moments over games and shared stories, this seminar turned out to be a defining chapter. Looking back, it is one of my favorite chapters. And as I continue to grow, I carry those lessons with me, shaping not just the leader I want to be, but the person I’m becoming. Let me take you through my journey, one day at a time.

Day 1

We kicked off with a powerful session on servant leadership, a concept that totally flipped my idea of what it means to lead. Being a leader isn’t about bossing people around, calling the shots, or giving the most powerful speeches. It’s about service. It’s about showing up, rolling up your sleeves and getting your hands dirty, and finding joy in helping others thrive. There is a strong connection between serving others and personal happiness. As human beings, we’re wired for connection and when we serve, we actually become more fulfilled.

The next session was on etiquette, and quite frankly, I didn’t think I’d be stressing over forks and spoons, but there I was, second-guessing everything. Which hand holds the knife? What’s this spoon for? Wait, there’s a different one for soup. We dove into the little details: how to sit, shake hands, eat, and basically how not to look totally lost at a formal table. This session had me reevaluating everything from handshakes to dinner table manners. However, beyond the formality, one message stood out:  How you present yourself matters. It’s a sign of respect, both for yourself and for those around you.

We wrapped that day with a lively debate on personalized attention, Strathmore’s theme of the year. We explored how personalized attention isn’t just about academic growth, it’s a lifeline for mental health. When we feel seen, heard, and understood, we thrive. The session made me realize how often we walk through life craving connection and how transformational it can be when someone simply says, “I see you.”

Day Two

Day two was nothing short of eventful, an experience that left a lasting impression on me and one I’m truly grateful for. I had the opportunity to engage with Grade 7 and 8 students from Umoja Primary School in a one-on-one mentoring session that turned out to be both eye-opening and deeply moving.

Walking through the grounds, seeing their learning environment, and feeling the resilience and energy in those classrooms reminded me of why mentorship matters. The students welcomed us with such curiosity, excitement, and sincerity. Their smiles were wide, their eyes bright, and their questions thoughtful and fearless. We spoke about mental hygiene, treating the mind with the same care and attention we give our bodies. We explored self-love, positive thinking, and the power of being kind to ourselves. Watching their faces light up as we connected through honest, hopeful conversation was unforgettable. 

Although our time there was brief, it was incredibly powerful. We left with full hearts, inspired by the courage and potential we witnessed. It’s our sincere hope that these young students will not only hold onto their aspirations but grow into the leaders they are already becoming. And if we played even a small part in encouraging that journey, then the day was more than worth it.

The afternoon session was the highlight of Day Two: an introduction to a concept I’d never heard of before: The Feminine Genius. At first, it sounded like the name of a perfume or a TED Talk. But it’s so much more. It celebrates the unique strengths women bring—empathy, intuition, nurturing, and emotional intelligence. Not soft skills, but superpowers. In a world that often mistakes softness for weakness, this session was a powerful reminder that these qualities are our strength. It hit even harder in today’s climate, where femicide and gender-based violence are far too common. In a world that should be protecting and honoring the feminine, too many women are still unsafe and unheard. The biggest takeaway? Reclaiming our power doesn’t always mean being louder. Sometimes, it means standing firm in who we are with softness, with strength, and without apology.

We wrapped up the evening with a cozy barbecue alongside the amazing female staff who were also in Tigoni for their onboarding session. Sharing a meal, stories, and laughter under the stars was the perfect way to wind down an already fulfilling day.

But the real gem? We ended with a hilarious and heartwarming relationship talk from a power couple who have been married for over 40 years. This session made me guilty about my Glovo habits. Mr. Nabangi said,  “Girls these days don’t like to cook! Always on Glovo! Say no to Glovo!” We really laughed hard, but also nodded because, well, he wasn’t entirely wrong. Yet their real message, Marriage isn’t perfect, but resilience makes it work and maybe a few home-cooked meals don’t hurt. A lighthearted end to a deeply meaningful day, full of food, laughter, and timeless wisdom.

Day Three

Day three came with depth. We started with a session on magnanimity, a word that sounds fancy but basically means aiming high for the sake of others. It pushed me to reflect on my own goals and whether I am dreaming big enough. Am  I doing it for the right reasons? Or am I playing small because I fear responsibility? This session gave me a needed nudge. Great leaders think beyond themselves.

And then came the silence.

We were given 30 minutes of personal reflection, just us, our thoughts and a quiet space. No phones, no chatting, just pure stillness. It was beautiful. For the first time in ages, I checked in with me. In that silence, I found clarity, peace and a version of myself I’ve been too busy to listen to. 

I would like to say a massive thank you to the Mentoring Department. You have no idea of the significant impact you’ve made on us. What may have seemed like just another seminar on the calendar became a deeply transformative experience, one filled with growth, laughter, quiet reflection and the beginning of beautiful sisterhood. I walked in expecting leadership tips. I walked out with a clearer sense of self, purpose and a community I didn’t know I needed.

Article written by  Linda Rerimoi, 3rd-year BA in Communication Student.