Epitome of the Audacity of Hope. A story of Resilience and Determination

In the face of adversity and hardship, my journey has been one of resilience, determination, and unwavering perseverance. Born into a single-parent household after the loss of my father at the tender age of 12, life took a challenging turn for me and my siblings.

Facing economic struggles and an inability to afford basic necessities, my siblings had to abandon their education at different stages. Despite excelling in my studies and earning a place at Nanyuki Boys High school, the financial burden was too great for my mother to bear.

Undeterred, I found myself engaged in manual labor as a shamba boy for five years, and later, I ventured into the world of “Bodaboda” transportation using a bicycle I had purchased.

The path to education was fraught with obstacles, but at the age of 21, I re-entered the academic realm, joining Mema Secondary School in Mang’u Village.

The support I received from the school’s principal, teachers, and the Board of Management proved instrumental. With their assistance, I overcame financial barriers, and my journey toward education resumed. Nevertheless, life remained a struggle as I balanced school with manual labor, often going without meals and relying on the generosity of well-wishers.

During this challenging period, the Seventh Day Adventist Church provided me with a place to stay while attending school daily. Meanwhile, my family had moved miles away, seeking a better life in Gatanga Constituency.

Despite these hurdles, I persisted and, in 2008, sat for my KCSE examinations, earning a B (plain) with 64 points. Although I narrowly missed direct entry into a public university, my determination led me back to school in 2009. The second attempt saw success, with a B+ plus, securing a direct ticket to a public university.

In 2010, tragedy struck as my mother passed away, depriving her of witnessing the fruits of her sacrifices. However, I pressed on, taking on roles at Equity Bank Limited before finally realizing my dream of joining Dedan Kimathi University of Technology at the age of 27.

Throughout my academic journey, characterized by financial hardships and reliance on government loans, I pursued a Bachelor of Commerce degree, obtained CPA certification, and graduated in 2015. In 2016, I achieved certification as a Certified Internal Quality Management Information Systems Auditor.

Fast forward to December 1, 2023, where I proudly joined 4775 graduates at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, obtaining a Master of Science in Finance—a testament to my dedication and pursuit of higher education.

Currently employed at Dedan Kimathi University, I serve as an Administrative Assistant, contributing to Curriculum, CUE Matters, KUCCPS Matters, and Fees management. Beyond my professional role, I am a passionate academic and career mentor, a transformational speaker, and a youth mentor in various community settings.

My life’s purpose revolves around inspiring hope and motivation, particularly to the younger generation. I firmly believe in the power of resilience, determination, hard work, and consistency. Through my consultancy, The Gardeners Future consults, I strive to empower youth and students, emphasizing that giving up is never an option.

As a living testament to overcoming challenges, I encourage everyone to persevere in the pursuit of their dreams. Focus on the bigger picture, trust in your resilience, and depend on the plans that destiny has in store. Gratitude extends to all those who have supported me on this remarkable journey, and I stand as proof that anyone can triumph amidst adversity.

SIMON MWAURA is a Mentor, Life Coach, Transformational Speaker and a Corporate Trainer.

He Holders a Master of Science in Finance, Bachelor of Commerce (Finance), A Certified Accountant of Kenya, Certified Internal QMS Auditor and a Certified Counselor. He runs a consultancy by the name The Gardeners Future consults whose focus is youth and students