Life Is Huge(Graduation Speech-Dec 5,2014)

The Journey It Has Been.

I stand amazed by the might works of God. 

Looking back at the path it has been, I must confess it has been a long way. Stemming from birth in May 11, 1991 with heavy cheeks which have disappeared as I get older, to joining nursery school in 1996 which I was hesitant. To be separated from the love and care of my parents at home was just too much for me. I was timid then. In fact, were if not for my Dad who insisted on retaking the nursery school oral exam I would not be here today, for I would have redone one year after keeping quiet during the test. In his presence I talked, he gave me the confidence, to tell Ms Njoki, and the head teacher what those shapes and colours were and that qualified me to join Kari Primary. 

How can I forget that incident in 1999.I was in class three. I had been sent me a queen cake, unfortunately I didn’t connect the ‘queen’ part of the cake, to me a cake was cake then, and therefore I went and brought a ‘mukonye’(muffin) .She sent me back with it to get a queen cake!, oh my good lord, on going back the ‘queen’ was still not ringing in my head and so I brought an andazi!,Guess what? She sent me back again! By now it would be suicidal not to have remembered the ‘queen’ part of the cake.Ms Mutire, you taught me not to settle for anything less than what we want in life. 

How can I forget Chemistry lessons in Mugoiri Secondary between 2005-2008.To me those 40 minutes or 80 minutes were a chance for me to learn what life is. The teacher could in fact spend the entire session teaching us how to live. I knew so well I could make reference from books for me to pass exams, but where could I have made reference when it came to life? Mr Ndegwa, you came in handy, I listened. I’ve have applied very little of the Chemistry but I’ve applied most of your life lessons. I’ve found issues becoming light by using my 5 common senses as you insisted. I’ve also realized the power of a 6th sense-the conscience, it’s still alive and super alert. 

In 2010, October 12, I joined the University of Nairobi, to pursue Bachelor of Commerce and majored in Procurement& Supply Chain Management, few know how I spent my life there. Let me shed some light on what made me a who I am so far; I made vow with myself on the 1st day not to engage in drugs or be sexually immoral. That vow carried me along my entire campus life. I deliberately chose who and where to hang out and mostly I got involved in Christian Union activities. I also took risks by trying business and vying in campus politics. This will sound bad, but looking back, it’s one of the best decisions I made; spending less time in theoretical class work and attending more of seminars, talks and browsing Internet. I made friends, good friends, I’ve at least one close person in almost all of the 47 counties of this country and lucky enough even outside the country. Meeting transformative lecturers the likes Dr. Bitange Ndemo, XN Iraki, Mr Mulwa, Dr Njihia, Dr Madam Kinoti also had a bigger impact in my life.

From the bottom of my heart.

I’d wish to express my sincere appreciations to the following;

My relatives;

 Grandma, uncles, aunties and cousins. Your words of encouragement kept me going. That prayer from my grandma every time I was leaving from long holiday gave me energy to start the semester. 

Teachers;

Let the entire staff of Kari Primary School know that I’m grateful to all, for the journey they started, filling my empty brain. Let the entire staff of Mugoiri Secondary know, they are part of me, and will forever lift the name of the school high. UoN community, you’ve taught me to appreciate life is huge.

The society and Church

The society back at Murang’a and most importantly those who have made it here treated me like their own son, whenever I did wrong they didn’t hesitate to reprimand or even report me to my parents. May that collective responsibility continue. And ACK Kari Church, thank you for instilling a spiritual direction in me right from a Sunday school boy up to now.

Friends;

At times life hits us hard, our self-esteem tested and confidence wilted but I’ve the best friends. They have always been there when I need them most. Nguma, from playing together since childhood to helping me in areas I was weak in secondary school and the support you’ve continued giving me after campus, you will forever be blessed for your big heart. Mercy, after sharing my passion and goals with you after campus, your one sentence has kept me going, ’I believe in you Sam’, it’s all I needed, you’ve remained special and wise to me. Phinehas, Velma, Purity, Freshiah, Rahab & Kinuthia; the laughter, pats in the back &exchange of ideas made my campus life memorable. Thanks too Jimmy, at times I overspent and your M-pesa came to my rescue. Njoroge, thanks, the computer skills you taught me have been of much help. The list can be long.All those who have taken their time to advise and help in one way or another I salute and respect you.

Parents.

MUM & DAD YOU ARE THE BEST.

You’ve made sacrifices to see me through and ensuring never at once was I sent home for fees. You’ve believed in me right from childhood that even when I left books at Wagakai’s shopping centre, you still knew that somehow your son will pass, even when you left me at the shop to serve customers as early as class three & four and customers thought I stayed there so that I could inform you when they alived only to serve them with diligence and they were surprised, you made me realize there was something unique in me. It made me confident. The freedom you gave me to do anything I wanted as long as I didn’t bring trouble home instilled a sense of responsibility and creativity. It made my childhood memorable and fun. I’m forever nostalgic of my childhood days. And those rib cracker jokes from Dad, waaa, makes me smile even when I’m alone.

I will never disappoint you. God bless you. Thank you. Regardless of how many degrees I will have, I’m still your kid and will always listen to you. John ‘Mageria’ (and family) and Joseph ‘Musiekuna’,( hehe, I know the latter will give me a lecture, haina pressure, see you) thanks for the support, its fun and blessing to have you as my brothers. We are meant to go far as a family, and yes we will.

God

Many others worked harder than me but they didn’t get an opportunity like this. Nobody applied to be born the way they were, or by the parents who bore them or be brought up in a certain way under certain circumstances, for me it has been only God’s favor in my journey. I will always humble myself before Him. It’s not the end He is taking me places.

The Big Question; Now that I’ve graduated what next?

I have started feeling the weight of graduating, huuuu. With so much expected from me, it can be a tricky affair. The glory and glamour of graduating will end in the next few minutes. And the reality of our lives will dawn. The next thing you will be asking is what does Sammy do nowadays? The mindset our system has instilled in us; Go to school, get good grades, get good job, marry a beautiful wife, get 2 kids, buy a car, build a nice house…and then, probably wait to die. Others will expect to be seeing me in suits and tie, with a protruding pot belly,(Hewu,!Tufiakwa! chiniiike me, if I’m unable to tie my shoe laces because of utambi). This can be a limiting perspective, though the above will make our life sweet. But nowadays there is no colleration between good grades/academics (as most Kenyans are easily access tertiary level education making competition super stiff) and success in life (success is broader than riches), I mean haven’t you seen a graduate who is morally, socially and spiritually rotten or struggling financially? Is it not true some of the most learned are the mega corrupt? Do you think the drugs and prostitution cartels are handled by people who have just basic education? 

Well to me life is all about purpose and passion not necessarily material possessions, this should come as a bonus. I’ve been searching for that one thing that I will enjoy doing whether it will pay peanuts or millions, the bottom line is, I should do what is giving me a reason to wake up tomorrow energized. But then we can’t run away from the fact we need money, and lots money for a comfortable life, the cost living is high. In Kenya I’ve realized if one wants to make some serious money enter politics and/or business or go illegal by selling drugs/black market/corrupt deals As a result I’ve made a choice, which I’m passionate about; creating a business system (I need serious money too, ha). A business system in this context is a venture that can make money whether you are present or not, the difference with employment is, for the latter if you are not working you cannot earn. I’ve been trying in a small way, most times I’ve failed, which is part of learning, it’s not an easy choice but I’m willing to do what it takes to have a successful venture. For now, I may even be forced to work when the worse comes to worse but employment is just not my thing. I’ll be happier for one to mentor & support me in this than offer me a job. 

Writing & Speaking message of hope, entrepreneurship and telling the world to live fearlessly and pursue their true calling is also something else I’m passionate about. By the way I’d love if you can take a walk to a public cemetery or remember a close person who died with their dreams and passions fearing what others will say about them, magnifying the problem than the solution, just stuck in something they hated doing….I always ask myself several questions before taking any action, some of them are: Is it against the Bible? What is the worst case scenario of my action? In my deathbed or some time to come will I my conscience haunt me for doing or not doing it? I also remember my younger me, the things I feared doing or talking my mind and heart out or opportunities that passed me because I wasn’t bold enough. By the way, imagine the things you feared when you were 5/10/20/30/40…yrs, do they still scare you? .Some years from now it won’t matter and probably you will sit down and punch yourself why you failed to do or not do it. Let’s be bold and face it fearlessly with passion and zeal because whatever one is going through it will soon pass and life is huuuuuuuuge! 

Finally good people mentor someone. If for example Mr Ndegwa (To me he was and is a life coach) kept quiet from talking about other issues of life apart from books, could I have benefited from his wisdom apart from just passing exams? Life is not all about me. The aspect of individualism has penetrated .Leave a mark, however simple it will be. The society needs you and me, there are people who are disadvantaged they only need someone to tell them, ’Yes, you can do this, ‘Keep on trying’, ’Good job’. Someone to shed some knew knowledge on how to do things better. I stand to be counted, will you?, Will you support me in this?. Ms Njoki go tell Kari pupils I said yes they are not doomed, Mr Ndegwa tell Mugoiri students I believe in them, we made it with Nguma,they are no exception, for we had no magic . Mr Nderitu go tell ACK Kari all is not lost, they is hope…and I tell Murang’a all is not lost. Mercy will you give Kitui hope?,How about Velma? Kakamega is looking up to you, Purity Embu needs you, Rahab Kilifi can’t wait any longer,Phinehas Nyandarua is waiting, Uncle ,Transzioa is waiting…..And all of us Kenya is waiting, let’s go impact and encourage one  another .Lend a helping hand. 

It’s not how the degree I have acquired plus more I will acquire since this just the beginning will help me, but how it can help many, for if my brother is in trouble so do I. 

God bless you.

Live on Love

It's 6pm.

He wore a green short and an orange Netherlands jersey.Rambled from his room and headed to the beach.

They've been here,Kanamai, Kilifi for capacity building and training with one of the NGO's. He sat on the protective wall,that prevented the water from getting into the premises during high tides. 

The sight of the tides breezed,the fresh air was a super relaxer,the whirling sound of the tidal waters from a far thrilled.The view was just magnificent even from the sky as sun went down.It's at such a moment he wished he wasn't alone,he wished for a gentle touch and a hold of someone by the hand,oooh it could have been the best hangout,quietly watching with no words .Indescribable.Too bad he was still alone and to some extent lonely watching all this.

The thought of travelling back to Nairobi tonight sickened,he brushed it off.

'I need to vow with the waters of the life to lead,wished and will work for',a thought crossed.He punched his left palm with his right hand fist and affirmed several things about his life,'...so God help me,most importantly let your will be done',he concluded the affirmation and gently relaxed.He only thought of the most beautiful things in life & the people who smiled,talked courteously,had a nice heart,who never lied,who were apologetic,held no grudge,inspired others,loved their partners,...talk of all the lovely actions of people,he cherished them.

The lyrics of the song  'Mother how are you today' by Maywood,came to live of how a daughter wrote a letter to her mom.

Mother, how are you today?
Here is a note from your daughter.
With me everything is ok.
Mother, how are you today?
Mother, don't worry, I'm fine.
Promise to see you this summer.
This time there will be no delay.
Mother, how are you today?

I found the man of my dreams.
Next time you will get to know him.
Many things happened while I was away.
Mother, how are you today?

He was only left guessing how the daughter must have been excited to get a man of his dreams.

Before long he remembered the Whisky Lullaby-Brad Paisley, Wrong Road Again-Crystal Gayle, Second Violin-Burgatell, Winner Takes It All-Abba….but this time the characters were complaining of Love gone sour, separation & divorces and they were expressing their bitterness.

The latter thoughts were distractive, he wished to dismiss them but he needed a solution of why love turns sour and concluded it’s because people overlook the basic  and forget the founding criteria and ‘checklist’ which is 1^st Corinthians 13.

It was getting dark, he wished to have stayed longer but the 'Oxygen' coach had already been ignited. What was ringing and wished people used the same tune of Devouted to You-Everly Brothers, Vows Go Unbroken-Kenny Rodgers and Forever & Ever-Randy Travis.

‘What am I thinking, it’s early for me to harbor love thoughts, life is big and there are other things to think about other than the lovey doveys’, he paused.

‘If you get wrong on this, the ‘bigness’ of life becomes titchy, you've to get it right from the word go, otherwise one will experience hell on earth with the wrong person, your entire life’,a thought warned.

He smiled and waved goodbye to the ocean and whispered to it,'Some day I’ll come again, but I won’t be alone then.Cheerio'.

Goodbye Employment

There comes a time when you have to make a choice between the ideal reality and the real reality.
Every day we make  choices that will make us who we will be tomorrow.In fact our today is as a result of our yesterday choices and it goes without saying that our tomorrow will be as a result of today's choices.

Some times back in my 3rd year of study in Campus my room mate asked me why I'm studying.Without much thinking I told him,'I'm studying to make myself unemployable'.I hadn't understood what's all the fuss over with employment but I can now guess a few things being faced with such a situation of whether to look for a job or not.Employment is secure because at the end of the month one is assured of a salary to foot off the bills.Job gives one a higher social status.It also offers a career growth.

Having gone through the curriculum,one is faced with several alternatives;Get into trying their hand in business by applying the skills they learnt,Get a job,Self-employment,Invest(few can take this route because of informational &financial constraints),Volunteer.The easiest paths is getting a job,one only needs to apply without ceasing till it comes by and volunteering.

I've chosen to take the path less taken,though majorly in Africa venturing in business is seen as for academic failures or dropouts it bothers me less.It's a choice career I've made,to be an entrepreneur regardless of all the papers I have and will acquire.I must confess it's one of the biggest risk I've ever taken with my life.Family and friends were surprised but have rendered their helping hand.That's all I need, someone to believe in me and leave the rest.

It's  more satisfying for me to rub shoulders with hustlers and look for connections and business networks than be in an Italian suit and bow tie in an elevator,faking a smile while dying inside.It's more satisfying for me to earn little and watch it grow to an empire than be a slave.It's more satisfying for me to fail once ,twice,thrice,struggle to foot off my bills than get reprimands that will never add value to my later life only pressure.

Some may think ooh,this dude has received  some financial back up to start off,ooh,..honestly no,in fact my net-worth as we speak now could be negative,but you know what something keeps telling me I can do excellent in entrepreneurship.And as we know that faith is the substance of things hoped for,the evidence of things not seen,this is enough for me.I have the end in mind and that is what will keep me going despite how rough the journey might be.At times life may even get to that of a Boxer a character in Mumford & Sons song ....but the fighter still remains.

Wish you well my corporate friends and former course mates,I'll be more than glad if you buy one or two of my products.
See you at the top.I'd also appreciate so much to get a entrepreneur mentor via this platform.

Use Your Common Senses.

The core part of every vehicle a mechanic will tell you is it's engine.Likewise human beings have the core part that controls all their activities and that is the brain.The brain reacts to impulses that are received from the sensory organs via common senses.There are 5 common senses these are the sight,hearing,touch,smell,taste.I can add a 6th one the instinct.The 6th is when we are describing scenarios we say,'Something told me...','I sensed...','I felt uneasy...',others describe the instinct by saying say God spoke/communicated.

When I was in Secondary School,there was a Chemistry teach who I liked and I still like till today but was hated by many,Mr Ndegwa. He used 'harsh' language,others said he was rude/snobbish but somehow I liked him.Most of the time especially during Chemistry practicals he used to 'insult' by saying,'Can you use your common senses!','Are you thinking!'.I saw this  as 'insults'.I felt pierced in the heart and I was like,'Kwani what does this mwalimu think I'm using my head for'.


One day during a practical lesson,we carried out an experiment and he asked all of us to  say what we observed.As he used to say, that's when I realized that common senses are not common to all.The answers that people gave from what they saw,heard,touched and smelt turned out to be the one of the most comical classes I've ever attended.Some probably had problem expressing in logical language what they observed but all the same it was just,Wa Wa!

In an exam set up it also turns out that what you observed is what you recorded and is what you used to make conclusion with.And I remember during KCSE in Chemistry Practical exam after carrying out an experiment the colour changed to pale green but on looking back at the person just one index number behind me,he had done the same experiment and the colour was deep blue!.I paused,closed my eyes and recalled what Mr Ndegwa used to say,'Write what you can see not what you think it's supposed to be or what  your friend has observed'.I must confess that his deep blue colour was more convincing than my pale green but I used what I saw for explanations,that became my chemistry results.

In life we must use our common senses wisely,if we make the wrong observation(In this case the information we hear/see,things we touch,smell and taste) that is what we shall record in our brains and is what we shall use to process decisions and choices that will ultimately give us our results an A or an E in our life behaviors and actions and finally shape our destiny.

Mwalimu also used to warn the student who scored highly in theories that most of them fail in practical papers simply because they think they know a lot.They are not humble enough to follow and observe simple instructions.It's the same case in life,observe keenly and following simple instructions they will spare us a lot of anguish and at times spare our lives.A simple example is using the pedestrian bridges in Super Highway,I saw a man being hit by a car just below the bridge,Did he really deserve that death?,This leads me to asking how will watching pornography help one in processing worth decisions and choices,listening to hardcore punk naughty music,alcohol taking...

It's also worth noting each person should use their own observations in tackling life exam.Who said what he/she observed is right and they've not received the results yet.This is where courage and faith comes in,to believe that as long as you've followed instructions,you're are right!

Campus Confession III

The clip below genuinely speak of how life was like in campus.
 It speaks volumes,but it was part of life.

Joining the Dots

Photo Credit:Pinterest

Steph alighted from a Matatu in Nairobi at OTC bus station.
He had travelled for one and half hours from his home County.
The thoughts of the warm welcome by his parents and the delicious 'aromatic' food are still fresh in his mind.He had first to reset his mind and body into aggression mode and ready to hit shoulders,as well as apologize to several whom he will have stepped on their toes.

Before making a step  further he watched the hustle and bustle of Nairobians he chuckled and wondered,'Why are this people running up and down,can't they be relaxed?,Why can't they shop online?At this point he tapped his red bag pack which had his Laptop,a few clothes and 10 chapati's.
He had to tightly adjust the shoulder straps and waist harnesser...otherwise he might realize why not everyone has a laptop.

He started maneuvering his way through,..then a thought hits after seeing how everyone just minds their own business, 'What is my business in life?'. He relaxes the steps,he is headed to the stage to pick a Matatu to drop him off in Campus,'School?,not now',he changes direction and connects with Haile Selassie Avenue headed to Bomb Blast Memorial Park,he pays 20bob at the entrance,buys  Picana and njugu and sits in one of the pews.

He needed an answer.He rested.
He remembered when he was eight years old how his dad started a shop back in the village.
He smiled at thought of  first customer who bought the filter-less cigar 'rocket' and sweets 'koo'. Though they weren't well up financially,but this became the milestone for their well being.His dad by then was an employee with a firm dealing with diary milk collection from farmers,later till now he does dairy farming.During weekends as young as from class three he was the shopkeeper,he was  brilliant with figures.

Steph checked on his passions and behaviors,how he used to sell watches and radios at school.How he took advantage of sports day to supply refreshment.How he loved issues to do with health but at the sight of blood he puked.How he loved making profit.He remembered during JAB applications how he was torn in between Nursing course(which he chose as first choice) and B.com (2nd choice) where he was admitted to the latter.How some of his Inshas used to be hailed and even read to other classes.How he enjoyed soccer and table tennis....

He started joining the dots of what he still loves today,a couple of years have passed now...He had registered a company while still in campus,in the table tennis campus team,enjoyed writing.He joined the dots for his Dad from being an employee in dairy business to doing dairy business.He remembered Abedi Pele and how his sons Andre Ayew,Jordan Ayew,Abdul Rahim Ayew..all became footballers like their dad.He connected the dots of  the likes of William Ruto & Kabando wa Kabondo were student leaders and ended up being politicians.....He sipped the remaining drink and left,his question partly answered.

We cannot ignore our past because with it comes lessons and acquired traits.How we've been brought up,who we admire,who we relate with,the choices we make........>present state .........>future state.

Campus Confession II

I love change,as a result I was eager to know what there is after campus,though it came with mixed reaction of happiness(no more books) and uncertainty(what next).There were so many unanswered questions(not yet fully answered even as I write this).All the same I had to face it.I told God to reveal to me directly(Plan A) what he wants me to do otherwise I will apply to 100 companies for job in Logistics and Supply Chain,Marketing & Graduate Management Trainee(Plan B).If a job comes,I will conclude it's God will, if it doesn't He wants me to go ahead with plan C which I love more than B.

My plan C is being in business.Unfortunately when business is mentioned there are some people who start seeing me busy selling unga,salt,sugar,or something of the sort.A kiosk or even better a tuckshop. Nooo,a business is a system that makes you money even when you are absent for an year because it has structures.

Most of what we call business is self-employment because they die when the owner leaves or dies as well.E.g, A lawyer who freelances his services,if he falls sick,there will be no money to be made,but if he has established a legal firm where he has employed other lawyers,even when absent his firm still makes money.Business should outlive us and be enjoyed by many more generation to come.

My colleagues and most of us,especially in Schools of Business want to do their 'own thing' in the near future but as it is said that there is always a starting point,which most of us think it's a job.So that one can go 'acquire capital' and 'skills and knowledge' to go start their own business.I beg to differ.If one has no interest in starting accountancy firm what skills and knowledge will they acquire working as an accountant?.If one is paid net of 50k,pays rent 10k,transport 6k,Food 6k, Entertaintment &Miscleneous 5k,Sambaza(Friends&Relatives) 5k,Tithe 5k...what remains is 10k,...Eeeeh,what can we say about acquiring capital.To make it worse when will one have time to think business when  being overworked as a donkey.When one get's to their house they just hug the bed dearly.

Campus teaches us that, we get good grades so that we can get good jobs.I'm slowly stamping that LIE,I signed while still studying.Jobs are as scarce as illiterate Chinese.I'm not shocked to have applied to 20 firms so far,5 regrets and 15 don't cares(no reply)...and my hunger to continue with my all time favorite plan C intensifies.

Dr Iraki,Mr.Mulwa, Dr Bitange Ndemo,Dr Njihia were right,thank you for giving me the real knowledge...leave alone those proud minded finance and accounting lecturers who thought within the box.They made me hate those subjects by challenging our minds into things I'm finding very stupid out here.Now that jobs are scarce,how will that question of Sleep,Consumption & Income in economics help me find a job or pay bills,how about those sets, how to account for assets instead of how to acquire assets.

To those studying and out here we have to find a solution in a creative way.I'm a testimony that one doesn't need money to start a business,just throw away that old way of thinking.As you study just know you are doing your best to get a profession, in whichever the field you are in,not to get a job or get rich but for self-satisfaction and actualization,it's no wonder one is supposed to study what they love.For one to make big chunks of money think business system.

I understand perfectly that not all can be entrepreneurs and therefore wish them well,ensure you get as many papers as networks as possible(watu wamesoma huku nje,haija!).

Despite all being said and done we will emerge victorious regardless of the route.See you at the top!

If you missed,check it out:Campus Confession I.