When we are young, our dreams often arrive with bright colours and big imagination. Some of us picture ourselves on television screens, in boardrooms, in hospitals, in courtrooms, or travelling the world doing something meaningful. But life has a way of reshaping those dreams, sometimes not by taking them away, but by leading us towards a different path altogether. For Vincent Kago Mwangi, the dream once looked like journalism. He imagined himself on screen, telling stories and speaking to audiences. But somewhere along the way, that dream evolved into something broader — a path that would introduce him to diplomacy, global affairs, governance, culture, and the many forces that shape the world.

Today, Vincent is preparing to graduate with a Diploma in International Relations, and the pride is written clearly on his face. With graduation only a few days away, he looks back with happiness, gratitude, and the deep satisfaction of someone who knows that success did not come easily. For Vincent, every good thing must be earned. Growing up in a Christian home, he was raised with the belief that dreams are possible, but they demand discipline, patience, and endurance. To him, success does not simply knock on your door. You must prepare for it, work for it, and stay committed even when the journey becomes uncomfortable.

His love for International Relations grew as he began to understand how wide and relevant the course was. It opened his mind to different aspects of life, helping him see the world through a broader lens. What may have started as a shift from his childhood dream slowly became a path that made sense.

Vincent describes himself as confident, social, and accommodating, someone who enjoys making people around him feel comfortable. But even with that confidence, the first days of university were not easy. Like many students stepping into a new environment, he had moments of uncertainty. There was culture shock. There was the pressure of fitting in. There was the challenge of adjusting to a new academic and social space. One of the things he struggled with at first was speaking fluent English consistently, but with time, practice, and exposure, he slowly grew more comfortable. What encouraged him was the environment around him. He remembers being amazed by how organised, neat, and beautiful Strathmore University was. The infrastructure impressed him, but even more than that, the people made him feel that he was in the right place. That sense of order and possibility gave him confidence. It reminded him that he had to work hard if he wanted to achieve his dreams.

During his studies, Vincent had the opportunity to intern at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a milestone he considers one of his proudest achievements during his educational journey. The experience gave him a glimpse into the world he hopes to continue growing into, one shaped by diplomacy, service, international engagement, and public responsibility. But his journey was not without challenges. One of the biggest was peer pressure. As he tried to blend in with fellow students and adapt to university life, he sometimes felt the pull to fit into lifestyles that were not necessarily aligned with his goals. Over time, he learnt the importance of staying grounded, remembering why he came to university, and choosing the kind of path that would support his future.

Vincent did not only grow in class. He also found life beyond academics. Football became one of those spaces. He joined a football club made up of his classmates and played as a right back, finding joy, friendship, discipline, and teamwork on the pitch. It gave him a chance to connect with others, stay active, and enjoy the student experience beyond books and assignments.

Then there was cooking. Vincent discovered that he was good at it, and instead of treating it only as a hobby, he began to think about what he could make from it. In the spirit of pushing himself and learning independence at a young age, he ventured into a small business. Every weekend, he made shawarmas and sold them at the church where he worshipped on Sundays. What began as a simple idea became a source of weekly income, adding to the pocket money he received from his loved ones. More than that, it taught him responsibility, initiative, and the value of using one’s skills to create opportunity. Now, he hopes to grow the business beyond one community and eventually venture into even bigger business opportunities.

Through it all, Vincent says one of his greatest sources of encouragement has been his mother. He believes every person needs a cheerleader — someone who encourages them when the road becomes difficult, reminds them of their potential, and keeps believing even when things are not easy.

For Vincent, that person has been his mother. As he completes his Diploma in International Relations, Vincent is already continuing the journey. He is currently in his first year pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies, putting his best foot forward as he works towards his long-term goal of becoming an ambassador after completing his master’s degree. One of his highlights from the diploma programme was the support he received from lecturers, especially during the attachment process and project. He had expected the journey to be more of a one-man show, but he was surprised by how much the lecturers came through when students needed guidance.

That support made a difference. As he prepares to graduate, Vincent carries more than a certificate. He carries lessons in endurance, independence, discipline, faith, friendship, and self-belief. His story is one of a young man who started with one dream, found another path, and kept moving forward with determination. His advice to new students is simple: focus on your goal and choose positivity. Because for Vincent, success is not handed to you. It is built slowly, through effort, sacrifice, and the willingness to keep going. Or as his story reminds us: if you cannot endure, you may never taste the honey of success.

Article written by: Barbara Omondi