Today’s Blog is written by Hatua Student, Levys Kihara-KUSA Gifted Bloggers Award Winner 2018
18 August 2018
Activity Time at Annual Mentor-Mentee Gathering
Saturday was a day like no other. There was no need to get sour, it was a weekend. Calendars were marked and all roads led to Mombasa Baptist Church in Tudor. Not actually for a sermon but for something pretty resourceful. It would be a day of fun, laughter and games or rather smiles, endless selfies and hugs whichever way, it was going to be a memorable event.
The weather was in alignment to the organiser’s plans and the sun just added gaiety to the already humid ambiance. Not too hot, not too chilly (Like it ever gets chilly around here) but a perfection in between. The winds were still and after everything had fallen into place, it was a green light. Ready to kick off things.
Students Group Photo @ MBC
When Hatua’s team members led by strong-willed Gabi and our charismatic captain Mr. Kwame took to the podium, you could see hearts expressing sincere gratitude as seen by each soul that had graced the occasion. The sages were not called wise for nothing when they concluded: experience is the best teacher. Isn’t it an indisputable fact that iron sharpens iron? Thus does man sharpen man. Wherever we are right now, they were there a few years ago. They have trekked on murky paths, ascended steep slopes, made their way down steep valleys, went through the thick undergrowth that is life, survived all that turmoil, burnt the midnight oil, to be the men and women we so much look up to in the society. Waswahili husema kuishi kwingi ndio kuona mengi, ooh for the sake of those who do not understand , I’ll translate that, ”Swahili people say when you live long, you see more.” Oh God! I’m so poor at that. Anyone help please? As I was saying, they know the loopholes that lie on the paths of different career fields and their attempt is to make sure we maximize those chances to reap the best we can.
Mr. Kwame is a silent guy, at least that’s what most people think including me but he has a big heart and listens to anyone who reaches needs it. He never spoke much but his generous actions were quite loud. A lesson taught on humility.
You will be forgiven for thinking that Gabi hails from Wakanda; the only place you can find vibranium, Black Panther’s homeland. She’s a lioness and one of the first people who actually got to know me before I became a part of this awesome family. A family that’s always been there to support and help me in anyway possible. She is always there at the finishing line to cheer us. Much as I may try to avoid saying it, I feel obliged to say it: she is our mom. She constantly reminds us the importance of networking and the impact it can have on us just having intel on the people we socialize with. Words are really failing me here but so you know, she’s one of a kind. The rare breed you hardly ever come across. I just realized what she always tells us about knowing our connections well, “networking is a powerful tool just like a loaded rifle on your shoulders”
As for Maureen I wouldn’t know where to begin. Let me stick to the ethic code, we know she’s beautiful, right? Thank you. I once read somewhere that the best gift you can give someone is something priceless. Something with incalculable monetary value, something such as your time. You email her she replies. You say you don’t have a mentor, she’ll link you to one. Your attachment is around the corner? Don’t worry, she got you covered. Like who even does that? Well she does.
Maureen, Career Guidance Coordinator Addressing Students
No one, I’ve never seen anyone approaching Cynthia with a sulken face. Everyone is always smiling, regardless of whether you had breakfast or not. Why is everyone so happy when they approach her? That’s our little secret. But one thing I’m always sure of, when that njaaanuary hits, I can’t go to sleep on an empty stomach when she’s around. That’s how sweet and caring she is.
Respect is a two way traffic. Respect me, I respect you. Madam Priscilla deserves a 21 gun salute. Her dedication on handling and managing the stubbornness in us is really something. I’m still amazed she hasn’t crumbled under pressure. Please madam, don’t explode like I always tell you. The world still needs people like you.
Have you ever met someone for the first time and minutes later, boom! It’s like you’ve known this guy forever. Mr. Timothy, I recently met him but it’s like we’ve been friends for decades now. For everything he is doing with that lens and his impressive work on the social media platforms, I salute you Sir. Definitely friends to keep.
Mr. Evans. Haha, you’re so funny I feel like dropping a joke here. Anyway, you’ve always ensured that we have a conducive environment in our esteemed Library and for that, on behalf of the others, we’re grateful. Ocharo, I see you there. Hatua will never be the same without you.
Huh, finally, I thought I’d never get to this particular person. If I may talk about him, maybe 10 or more chapters will be satisfying. Let me be brief but he’s one of the people I can say have so much impact in my life. When we met, he told me he sees something in me and I should work on it but I just laughed and thought like, this guy is crazy. Now, I always run to him whenever I need advice on reaching dead-ends. That’s how crazy I’ve become. Mr. Waithaka, I hope I’ll make you proud when I grace the newspaper, someday.
Pardon me, I was caught up in the moment and I had to do that. Now where was I? Ooh we were in the hall, Mombasa Baptist, remember now? And we had a good time and some sense was pumped into our heads. The hours dragged slowly and I was almost giving up before it was lunch time. Here no one was instructed on what to do, working on instinct alone. We ate, ate and ate, drank and finally this was the time to catch up on some long-lost buddies. Stomach full and protruding bellies there was no way we were going back to the hall; half of us will probably be asleep like that history lesson in the afternoon back in high school.
Activity at All Mentors-Mentees Gathering
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. Play time! The mentors and mentees all took part in this affair. I’m really trying to find words to put into context what transpired that afternoon but words cannot seem to suffice. We had fun, lots and lots of fun, we ran, we interacted, we played mind games, some games I never knew existed but if you missed this, just change your name to a laughing-stock. Kidding. But you missed a lot.
I’m so disappointed in myself that this had to come to an end…
But, GAP years 2017, you guys are the real deal.