Had I stuck to the degree I signed up for when I joined Strathmore, this December I would have graduated with a degree in Actuarial Science. That’s right! But I am not. While in first year I challenged myself to pursue what I was passionate about rather than what I was good at. I believe people skills are an integral part of all facets of life and communication allows that. I look forward to conversations as I get to learn about other people on a more personal level. As a person, I can also influence others through my writing or a tête-à-tête. My name is Joy Wairimu Muthembwa and I will be graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication.

Why the change of courses?

Having a sibling who has already been through university helped a great deal. It matters what you do with the knowledge and skills you acquire. Being good is not enough. It calls for whole self-giving on the best of days and the not-so-great. That can only be done when you are passionate about your act of service or task.  When you are “just good” you are constantly looking to see who is better than you. When you are passionate about something you often look inward and seek ways to be more. Passion allows you to strive till you thrive through it all.

My support system

I am fortunate to have a family that supported me through my journey. Not to say that I did not have challenges but I knew that I was not walking this journey alone. As a student, I can attest that campus life is not easy.  Like all aspects of life, human interaction is important. I got that from family, especially my sister who graduated from the Strathmore Law School in 2016. She encouraged me to be intentional about seeing my assigned mentor.

What was it like to have a mentor?

The sessions I had assured me my experiences are not unique to me as I journeyed through campus life. Not that I always got solutions but that they allowed me to speak and share what was dragging me down. At the end of it all, I often realized all I need was someone to listen to me.

In closing, I would like to encourage all to remember what it was like being a child. Impossible was not in our vocabulary. We constantly challenged ourselves to be better and constantly asked questions that never seem to have an end. Over and above that, we can all recall a moment we received a beating for doing what endangered ourselves or others in the quest to learn more. Dare to learn more about what you love and when it comes to action – do it at your best all time! Every time!

 

This article was written by Annete Karanja. 

 

What’s your story? We’d like to hear it. Contact us via communications@strathmore.edu.