Journey of Self-Discovery
Ruth Kieru
Media and Communication | Community Social Impact and Engagement | Program Coordinator | Projects Communication
Once upon a time in Subukia, Nakuru county, a place that holds a special spot in my heart even today, I was just a little troublemaker dreaming big dreams. Oh, the memories! I used to run around like a wild child, exploring every nook and cranny while basking in the beauty of the surroundings. I'd sit for hours, marveling at the breathtaking scenery and pondering the wonders of the world. I even had this secret spot where I'd sit and imagine myself as a grown-up, jetting off to different cities and trying to figure out which way was north, south, east, or west. Trust me, I had the whole world mapped out in my mind!
But amidst all the daydreaming, there was one thing I knew for sure—I wanted to be the best journalist ever! I had this burning desire to help people who weren't as lucky as others, those who couldn't afford the finer things in life. Little did I know that life had some unexpected twists and turns waiting for me.
My dear old dad and mom, bless their hearts, worked their fingers to the bone to provide the best they could for us. They made sure we never had to go to school barefoot, even though it was a real challenge to gather everything we needed. They were true superheroes!
Now, here's where things get a bit dramatic. You see, my dad had a strict side to him. Every night, it was like a scene from a wrestling match. He'd be fighting with my brother, my sisters, and sometimes, even with me. And on those not-so-pleasant days, I'd witness him arguing with my mom and attempting to play a bad game of "Whack-a-Mom." It was tough to concentrate on my studies, and I couldn't help but fear that my dad's anger would someday escalate into something worse. That really took a toll on me, my self-esteem hit rock bottom, and I lost the ability to express myself. It felt like all the magic in my life vanished into thin air.
Then, life threw another curveball at me. I became pregnant, and I couldn't find the courage to talk about it, not even to my mom. As you can imagine, my self-esteem didn't make a grand comeback. I started struggling all over again. Walking with my head down became my signature move because I had zero courage to face even the friendliest of strangers. But you know what? My little bundle of joy, my son, became my reason to keep going, my motivation to pick myself up and believe that life wasn't always going to be sour.
And just when things seemed bleak, destiny decided to surprise me. I stumbled upon an incredible opportunity to become a radio presenter. Talk about a turning point! That's when I discovered my hidden talents, my charming charisma, and my ever-growing courage. As my career in journalism flourished, so did my confidence. I began to love myself, flaws and all, and I realized that I wanted to reach out to women who were unsure of where to start. I wanted to give them that much-needed affirmation that it all begins with loving yourself and your little ones.
But wait, there's more! I also felt this burning desire to connect with women in leadership positions because I wanted to be a mentor to young girls. I wanted to inspire them to fearlessly pursue their dreams and go after those leadership roles, no matter what challenges they faced. I wanted to empower them to transform their lives in every aspect.
So, there you have it—my journey from a dreamy kid in Subukia to a confident lady. Life had its share of ups and downs, but it molded me into who I am today.
So, here I am, figuring out my life, but in a better place, with a little bit of humor, courage, and lots of love. And if there's one thing I've learned from all of this, it's that life may not always be sweet, but you can always add a little sugar to make it taste better.