It has become increasingly difficult to manoeuvre through the racy lanes of our global village which is characterized by rapid technological development and high-speed interactions. Although by and large such technological progress has led to improved interactions, they have also been a major reason for the upward surge in the number of stress-related illnesses as documented in some of the most noteworthy medical journals of recent times. Furthermore, the World Health Organisation (WHO) identified youth as the most vulnerable group to fall, victim, mostly because they lack the necessary life experience to steady themselves in the stormy waters of our modern society.

Ryan Mwaniki, a second-year student at Strathmore Law School, musician, and athletics enthusiast, was no exception when he was met by the turbulence associated with student life and saw fit to seek help from a mentor. He took the opportunity offered to students to access the valuable guidance offered by the mentoring programme at Strathmore University.

“I reached out to Allan Mukuki and asked if he would like to be my mentor and he agreed. During mentoring, I found the hardest part is opening up. You meet your mentor for the first time and you know that the only way for them to walk with you is by you as a mentee trusting the process and being willing to speak frankly.”

The Strathmore University mentoring services aim to contribute to the formation of the all-round graduate by nurturing self-confidence and self-awareness through informative and supportive mentor-mentee relationships. Life is like a marathon. Knowing how best to pace your self is crucial to ensuring a successful finish. Therefore it is the task of the able mentor to inform this decision-making process as a coach does with their star athlete.

Allan Mukuki, the Director of International Partnerships, a lecturer at Strathmore Law School and an avid golfer, describes mentoring and how it has impacted him as a person, from shared successes to personal achievements.

“I try to mentor the same way I was mentored. I do not offer solutions to problems’, I give my mentees options. I also allow the process to be organic…I use the eagle principle. When an eagle wants its young to grow, it throws it out of the nest and puts thorns around it so that it is forced to fly”

With pride, Allan describes the growth he has seen in Ryan through their interactions thus far. Not only has Ryan excelled in academics, but he has also developed his writing skills impressively and gained practical working experience at a renowned international law firm.

Ryan and Allan both agree that they have nurtured a good friendship that can go the distance and stand the test of time. Both have learned from one another and are gearing up to complete a 21km half-marathon together.

Would you like to know more about mentoring? Get in touch with the mentoring services situated at the Student Centre, 2^nd floor.

 

This article was written by Neville Otema.

If you have a story, kindly email: communications@strathmore.edu