My Graduation Journey (USIU Reflections Speech)
By Wanjiku Thuku
When I joined usiu in January 2018, I thought it was like a holiday resort and even thought for a long while that I was in 'America'. From the tall, exquisite buildings like the library, to eating 'bougie' food in the cafeteria, and even having a library and Students Centre that I felt were 'too comfortable' and huge for me to sit in. Although well equipped with resources and facilities like the 3-floor gym, a demo kitchen, OPAC system as well as a newspaper section for referencing in our class discussions or library tours, I did not really know what to expect. I was a young, shy, and reserved girl straight from Daystar University in Athi River, which was the complete opposite from what I have experienced in U.S.I.U,since I had only acquired a diploma in communications amongst many other diplomas from different academic institutions in various course like graphics and animation, music technology and IT just to name a few accolades.
Some of my best moments in USIU were spent with my friends during Mr. and Miss USIU beauty pageants ,Culture Week, Fitness Challenges, KUSA Swimming Galas(where I got a certificate for participating in the All Women's Swimming Competitions as a member of the
USIU Dolphins Swimming Team),All Africa Games at the Kasarani Stadium with the USIU Dolphins Team to represent Kenya) as I spent a lot of time mentoring young new swimmers at the poolside as well as Training for all swimming competitions with Coach Maggie and Halima Bakari(Assistant Coach/Sports Coordinator) plus the musical concerts,VC's Homecoming ceremony where I got to meet the honorable Freida Brown in person and I was intrigued by her life story and how she built and supported USIU where it is now, meeting Dramatic Luther King's Niece who came to give a talk on the last Black History Month was a great eye-opener for me early this year, USIU GOT TALENT show where I participated as part of the hype team amongst several other activities which I'll never forget. Despite the days getting longer, busier with hectic schedules, I managed to tackle each obstacle with great ease and created tight bonds with my peers and some of my lecturers, who will always cherish as they were all good to me and extremely supportive.
I must say that,U.S.I.U. has really taken me to a lot of places and has helped me grow in all aspects of my life from being a young entrepreneur, to sharpening and perfecting my skills in Journalism,PR,Branding and other areas of expertise, it has nurtured hidden talents and gifts I did not know I had within me, it has made me grow stronger in my faith in God(Knowing that I had a calling and purpose to mentor and lead young people closer to God),mentally,emotionally,and financially.
I thank God for all the staff,faculty,my peers.mentors,my family members and everyone who played a role in my life in one way or another to stay focused on the prize and not give up on myself or give up on my goals and dreams. It has taught me how to not lean on my own understanding of the world, but to trust in the process. It has been a long tough and hectic four years just to get the first degree ever to achieve in my life anywhere, and I am glad and so grateful that I got to interact with various people on various levels that gave a positive unique perspective and approach to my life.
As the curtains close in September 2022, and as I move on to the next chapter of my life after USIU,this school will forever be engraved in my heart, mind, and soul. I thank, honor and appreciate my dad for pushing me and encouraging me to go back to school as much as I resisted to do so before, I thank God for my mum, my sister Njeri and auntie Wairimu and my cousin Yvonne who prayed for/with me and checked that my health was good and that I stay focused on my studies, my brothers-junior and githiora who helped me nurture all my gifts and talents and ensure that I don’t give up on myself and my life goals/dreams by advising me every single step of the way, my nieces –wariri ,Shiro and waithira for always encouraging me to keep being strong and wise even if at times I felt like I would never reach the finish line when people tried to bring me down everywhere I went(struggles of adulthood). and I am glad it has shaped me into the person I am today...worth the sacrifices, the sleepless nights, endless lectures, assignments, quizzes, and group projects plus exams...it was all leading to where God wants me to be at this point in my life (God's timing is always the best timing) and
I will continue believing and trusting God in All things and know that I made an impact on several people in USIU in one positive way or another...God Bless USIU!
Additional Information (Highlights to consider):
⦁ Favorite bible verse and quote that kept me going strong:
2 Timothy 1:7-For I have not been given a spirit of fear, but of love, power, and a sound mind. 'You are what you are by what you believe'
⦁ Attending two graduation ceremonies in USIU in 2019 and in 2021 helped me to prepare for my actual graduation this year which I'm more than elated, honored and humbled to be a part of the parade with other graduands....what a sight to behold this prestigious ceremony as part of USIU's epic historic moments as Freida Brown flags off the ceremony and gives her last words of strength, wisdom and encouragement as she exits the university to retire in peace and the new VC-Margee takes over her office very soon. So wonderful and powerful to see this transition.
⦁ I also acted and directed my own short movies with my classmates and lecturer, I created my first documentary and hosted my first podcasts which was quite exciting for me to know and understand how they are done professionally.
Took part in my first humara tennis tournament after joining and training with the Usiu Tennis Team at the public service club in Upper hill/Kenyatta area.
