My Younger Self Series – Herbert

“One can choose to go back toward safety or forward toward growth. Growth must be chosen again and again; fear must be overcome again and again.”

I was born in Chewangoi, Mt. Elgon, but life did not allow me to grow up where I was born. I found myself in Chepkube, at my grandmother’s home, where my childhood truly began.

My school journey started at Kamosong Primary School, and it was never easy. My grandmother was old and a widow, struggling to provide even the basics, including school fees. Life was hard. We were five grandchildren, and we went through a lot of suffering. We were beaten brutally by our uncles, chased out of the house at night, and forced to do hard labor while still very young.

What hurt me most was not knowing where my parents were. I was abused, yet no one ever told me where my mother or father was. Deep inside, I knew I had a home somewhere, but I didn’t know where it was. Because of that, I endured all kinds of pain and torture. Eventually, my cousins could not take it anymore—some girls got married as early as 15 years old, while the boys ran away to look for work. I stayed behind because of one thing: school.

From nursery to Class Eight, the journey was extremely tough, but God gave me strength. When KCPE results were released, I performed well. My marks opened doors to many big secondary schools—something I had always dreamed of. Sadly, that dream did not come true.

After the results, my grandmother took me to the place she said was my real home. I was very happy, believing I would finally meet my parents for the first time. But my happiness did not last long. When I arrived, I was told that no one knew where my father was.

Still, God did not abandon me. My father’s brother and his family accepted me and treated me like their own child. For the first time, I felt peace and happiness. I will always be grateful. May God bless them.

My secondary education began at Kabkara Secondary School, where I completed four years. Life there had ups and downs, but I managed. After that, I joined Matili College, but due to lack of fees, I was forced to stop my studies.

I then decided to look for a job, and that decision brought me to Nairobi, where I live to this day.

Dear my younger self, I want you to know this: life will test you in ways you never imagined, but do not give up. When you are alive, accept to go through thick and thin. One day, God will lift you from grass to grace. Keep believing. Your story is still being written.

With love and gratitude,
Your future self,
Herbert Chemiat

My Younger Self Series – Stellah

Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time

Dear Younger Stellah,

I know you may not understand it now, but every challenge you are facing is shaping you into a strong, resilient, and purposeful woman. One day, you will look back and realize that the girl who walked the dusty paths to Mabuusi Primary School carried within her a destiny far greater than she could imagine.

You will grow up in a world where expectations sometimes outweigh opportunities, but you will not be defined by your surroundings. You will be defined by your determination, your discipline, and your faith. You will learn early that education is not just a requirement — it is your ladder. And you will climb it, rung by rung, even when it feels heavy.

You will work harder than many, sacrificing sleep and comfort to study, prepare lessons, and mentor others. At times, you will doubt whether your journey is worth it. But hold on — because soon, you will step into classrooms not as a student, but as a teacher. You will stand in front of young minds who will look at you with hope, trust, and admiration. And you will teach them, guide them, and inspire them just as you once wished someone would inspire you.

You will walk into Marist International University College with dreams and walk out on 24th October 2025 with a degree in your hands — a symbol of your persistence and courage. You will teach in junior academies, boys’ schools, and girls’ high schools, touching lives and shaping futures.

Younger Stellah, you will discover that your heart beats for mentorship. You will realize that helping young people find direction brings you joy, and reading and writing become your quiet sanctuary. You will become a woman who speaks confidently, who manages classrooms with respect, who plans lessons with passion, and who collaborates with colleagues with grace.

Life will not always be easy. But you will survive. You will rise.
And one day, you will become a woman that younger you would be proud of.

So hold your head high, little one.
Your journey has just begun — and it is beautiful.

With love and gratitude,
Your future self,
Wabomba N. Stellah

My Younger Self Series – Shelton

It always seems impossible until it’s done

Dear Younger Shelton,

I know life seems like a long road right now, filled with questions and uncertainty. But trust me, every step you take, every lesson you learn, is preparing you for something greater. One day, the boy walking the corridors of Sango Primary School and later Sikalame Secondary School will become a man who drives not just vehicles, but also his own destiny.

You will work hard to gain skills, starting with obtaining your driving license at Prince Driving School. At times, the journey may feel slow, and the responsibilities heavy, but every mile you cover, every challenge you face, will build your discipline, patience, and reliability.

From being a security guard to supervising a team at Lavington Security Company, you will learn leadership, vigilance, and how to protect and care for others. You will deliver documents, transport goods safely, and mentor staff as a driver at reputable companies. Through it all, your commitment to punctuality, integrity, and excellence will shine.

You will realize that success is not only about titles or salary, but about being dependable, responsible, and trusted by those around you. You will see that your work matters, that your dedication brings safety, comfort, and peace to others.

So, young Shelton, remember: embrace discipline, respect the rules, care for people, and never stop learning. One day, you will look back and be proud of the man you’ve become — skilled, respected, and steadfast.

Keep driving forward. Your journey has only just begun.

With love and gratitude,
Your future self,
Shelton Makhapila