Rachel Wandia Kariuki can easily be described as an ambitious, smart and hardworking lady, with a bright future ahead of her. Having appeared on the Strathmore University Dean’s 2013-2014 list in her first year, her drive to success has allowed her to be influential in all she does. At age 21, Rachel has recently been appointed as an English Facilitator for African Youth Movement (AYM) under the Gender and Equality Program.

 

Rachel a former student of Loreto Girls School Limuru, scored a strong grade A- of 80 points in her KCSE National Examination. She is also the Strathmore University Career Ambassador.

 

Tell us about yourself…

Am the first born in a family of two children.

I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce degree majoring in Finance with a minor in Marketing. I am also doing section 4 of CPA.

 

When did you join AIESEC and why?

I joined AIESEC in first year of university because it’s an international organization. I want to work in a multi-national organization in future and I believe joining AIESEC was a good starting point. Last year I was the team leader for a program called Incoming Exchange. This year there is a new body, so I have applied for a project leader position.

 

While announcing her as the new English facilitator, AYM had this to say about her being involved with AIESEC, “Her involvement with AIESEC, the largest international student organization has strengthened her leadership, facilitation and teamwork skills.”

How did you get selected for the facilitator position?

I saw a post on Facebook calling for applications from AYM so I quickly applied. I applied for the chairperson position because it is an African based program which will allow me to network and learn from the influential people I will interact with. However, I got the English facilitator position which I am grateful for albeit being the youngest.

 

What does the job entail?

AYM is a youth based program in Africa that deals with different issues faced by the continent. For my program committee (gender and equality) I will be attending all meetings and translating information in English. I will also be responsible to call for the meetings, write minutes and give feedback to the chairperson on how the committee is doing.

 

I will work in this position until our agenda for the program has been established. I will be working as a volunteer.

 

Other than learning, is there anything else in particular you wish to achieve while working in this committee?

In Malindi, where I come from, girl child education is not prominent and unfortunately it is not valued as much. Girls would rather get into prostitution or early marriages. I hope to influence the members of my committee to start a project in my home area to help the girl child see value in education and pursue it.

 

Rachel’s passion for the girl child was also recognized by AYM during the announcement, “Her passion for community development and girls child education drove her to join Macheo, which is an initiative seeking to better the lives of secondary students living in the slums through mentorship.”

How will you juggle working and studying?

My new role will be flexible which will allow me to manage my time. I will also need to cut down on my social time so that I have more time to perfect the work as well as my studies. I used to be a secretary for the Strathmore Media Group for a year, which taught me how to manage time. I hope to adopt those skills.

 

Any mentors/role models…

I look up to Patricia Ithau former Managing Director L’Oreal. She has been very successful in the corporate world and I can a lot from her.

 

What advice would you give young ambitious students such as you, who want to make it but do not know where to start?

Allow yourself to start small. Every person who has made it in life started somewhere. Also cease all opportunities you come across, you never know which opportunity will take you to the top.