I would like to share a number of things that I have found to be important, especially as a student. Since I was young I always liked to take responsibilities. Such responsibilities include being a youth representative in the local community.

During high school I was an active member of several clubs and served as treasurer and President. I frequently tutored middle school students by offering my time before and after school.

After high school, I engaged myself with community work where I voluntarily mentored many youth in my home county of Makueni in Eastern part of Kenya. Mentoring involved helping the young people set their career goals and start taking steps to realize them.

With this region being a sub-Saharan place, I initiated income-generating projects which revolved around poultry. This focus was aimed at empowering the youth economically to earn a living. I was also instrumental in nurturing their talents in sports, art and music.

Since I came to Park University two years ago, this school has tremendously transformed my zeal especially as a student to continue giving back to the community. During the Opening Convocation, Interim President David Fowler challenged students on what he would expect of us when we meet him on campus. I was challenged to answer these questions: What do I enjoy? What am I good at?

I found this to be a very good way of nurturing young global leaders even while at college. The president gave a good and encouraging speech to what the world expects from us after we graduate.

One fascinating thing I have found while volunteering is the fact that helping out in even the smallest of ways and doing something for someone else gives you the greatest reward – a thank you.

Kenya – and Africa as a whole – has many education challenges. In fact, the level of illiteracy is very high. This has inspired me as young leader to take action. In the year 2011, I was able to open two community libraries across this expansive county of Makueni.

With the help of members of the public, I was able to equip these libraries with different books such as text books, novels and fiction novels. The sole reason for establishing these libraries was to boost education in the community as well as keep the youth occupied. I wanted to engage the students during their holidays – a place where they could have humble time for revision and personal study.

I have aimed to create a culture of education in the County of Makueni. My mission was to empower the youth by creating avenues to tap their potential, establish their talents and give them opportunity to develop themselves to become self-reliant.

I am happy to say that what I started before I came to the U.S. is still running through the leadership of many young leaders that I mentored.

The way forward

I look forward to become a global leader – thanks to Park University’s excellent education system and a very welcoming and diverse campus. Park offers many resources and opportunities for students to develop themselves. I have plans to start a book drive before end of this semester titled “Books for Kenya” towards uplifting my libraries. I hope you will get involved with me.