MY STORY.

 About the writer

NAME: CAROL NYAMBURA MWONJRORIA.

NATIONALITY: KENYAN.

PROFESSIONAL: Student

EMAIL: carolnyambura6675@gmail.com

Phone number: O115939911 or 0780258028

Age:19 years

IN THE DEPTH OF WINTERS LAYS THE INVINCIBLE SUMMER.

There are seasons in life probably people from the western world out of the four seasons winter is the worst. The cold and the snow affects the people and every day they wish that summer would approach. Courage can be defined in this case as the issue of perseverance and having the strength to venture into this cold weather as you patiently wait for a tomorrow full of sunlight. Seasons come and go but only those who withstand them survive. These can be borrowed from Charles Darwin’s theory of natural selection. Creatures that adapt to the environment best tend to make good out of hazardous situations. 

I was born and raised in Africa. The mother to a thousand legends and martyrs who had the spirit of courage as they advocated for emancipation of either political, social, or economic endeavors we faced as Africans. My story is not exceptional but retelling a story anew from the first-hand experience may bring a glimmer of hope for a typical African woman to stand anew and fight for the well-being of gender equality. 

 I am the firstborn out of four from a family of a single mother. Our mother advocated for education and as a teacher, we grew up knowing her as a strict disciplinarian. As a young child, I did not like studying but over the years she made me have a deep affection for education which I worked hard over the years. She as a Christian made us uphold strong moral principles which have helped us to be the people are today. Virtues such as patience, love, and perseverance were instilled in us which were preparing us for the strong waves ahead of us. In western people prepare for the winter by buying glooming which can sustain them for the coming season.

I worked hard and smart in high school and got good grades to join an institution for higher learning. I was so exhilarated that soon I will be able to join the school and make my dreams of becoming a doctor true. Little did I know that this was the period in my life that was becoming a crucible. My aunt asked my mother if I would go and help with my little cousins as I rethink the path I wanted to take in life. These were the hardest few months of my entire life. First, I had to take care of the whole house chores, take care of the garden, and the small child under my care.

My aunt treated me harshly despite me doing my best to sustain the hard chores with the baby at my back. I knew this was not my destiny and as a woman every night I encouraged myself that one day I would be great and I will advocate for the whole of humanity. The meals were little and sometimes I had to sacrifice for the sake of my little adorable cousins. The only thing that gave me hope in this family was to see the little boy grow very healthy but months later after I left I received the sad news that the child had died. 

I left and went back home but looking at how my mother struggled to maintain my siblings pushed me harder to find a job. The only job available at hard was house manager which I worked hard. My bosses loved me but I had to endure the cold night sleeping on the floors and the cold from washing clothes during winter. I worked to save for my college studies and at least help my mother in raising my siblings. Every night after a long day I remember crying alone on those spread mattresses on the floor and the only thing that was in my head there is always light at the end of the tunnel. My small bible used to be my dear friend as I would read stories that gave me the courage to further my education.

The feeling of having an affair with the opposite gender had the good part of me and for the first time, I had a boyfriend for the twenty years of my life. Little did I know that I could be a slave in this newfound love. He was a graduate who we had just met in church and being zealous about joining campus I wanted an educated young man who would motivate me to continue until I achieve my goal. At first, he appeared to be the best but later I learned I had to obey his commands. I had to satisfy his demanding sexual urges and he had no concern for my own goals.

I had no one to tell me my worries since my mother was far away. Africa has taken a huge step in terms of promoting gender equality by taking away cultures that dehumanize women. Acts such as female genital mutilation, upholding girlchild education, and desensitizing against domestic violence. I feel we have forgotten the sexual assault that women face every day. Which laws protect a girl violated from a relationship and even if we have them the steps to get justice for a girl who has been violated take ages until you get justice. I had to stop this relationship because I did not want it to define me. An inner voice always told me carol your purpose is more than this.

I underwent a lot of stress which developed into depression. Often, I would oversleep and the urge to volunteer for the goodwill of the community faded away. First, I had lost hope I will ever join School and fulfill my goal, and second my heart was broken. At the same time, my mother became sick and was always in the hospital but every time I looked at my siblings something told me, girl, you should stand and walk. I went from office to office if by any chance I will get a job. I started my own small business from my savings and from this business I got to win a scholarship that am currently studying for. I know I still have a long way to go but for now, summer is better than winter. With the huddles coming, I will courageously fight for the dream of becoming the woman who is a role model and creating a social change in my community.