By: Midmark Onsongo
Worth Noting:
- Against all odds, I was elected with 80% of the votes—a remarkable feat in a room filled with faces that barely knew me. I often reflect on the significance of that moment. In a society that often privileges familiarity over merit, I stood as a testament to the power of perseverance. As I took my place among my fellow students, I felt a sense of responsibility wash over me.
- I admired the role of faculty representative for the Humanities and Social Sciences, the largest faculty in Chuka University, and despite its historical tendency to favor specific communities, I dared to aspire to that position. Those who understand the tribal nature of campus politics will recognize the uphill battle I faced.
Nobody knows about tomorrow. It is a question that lingers in the minds of many, a contemplation that shakes us to our core. Are we aware, as members of Generation Z, that one day we will be old, our faces wrinkled and shrunken, our youth a distant memory? It is a reality we often brush aside, distracted by the noise of life, yet it looms ever closer, reminding us of our fleeting existence.
I remember my own encounter with this truth during my high school years at Mutuini High School. It was a day etched in my memory—the day I visited the National Assembly. As a young, wide-eyed student, I stood in that hallowed chamber, surrounded by the weight of history and the pulse of democracy.
I left that day with a personal oath, a promise to myself that I would return—not as a child, nor as a mere tourist, but as a member of Parliament. It was a dream fueled by the whispers of possibility and the desire to effect change in a world that often feels indifferent to the struggles of the young.
After high school, I embarked on my journey to Chuka University, a place where dreams take flight and aspirations are nurtured. Armed with a vision, I aimed to be a class representative, a role that would allow me to voice the concerns and hopes of my peers.
Against all odds, I was elected with 80% of the votes—a remarkable feat in a room filled with faces that barely knew me. I often reflect on the significance of that moment. In a society that often privileges familiarity over merit, I stood as a testament to the power of perseverance. As I took my place among my fellow students, I felt a sense of responsibility wash over me.
I admired the role of faculty representative for the Humanities and Social Sciences, the largest faculty in Chuka University, and despite its historical tendency to favor specific communities, I dared to aspire to that position. Those who understand the tribal nature of campus politics will recognize the uphill battle I faced.
I grew up in Nairobi, a melting pot of cultures and identities, yet I found it difficult to approach my tribe members to seek their support. There was a nagging fear that hung over me, a doubt that whispered in my ear, questioning my worthiness.
But I refused to let fear dictate my journey. I became real, embracing my authentic self, and my fellow scholars resonated with my manifesto. It wasn’t just about winning their votes; it was about igniting a spark of hope and empowerment in them. I won’t delve into the intricate details of my victory, but I will say that commitment, hard work, humility, and prayer—God’s favor—were my steadfast companions.
I learned that the path to success is often littered with obstacles, but with determination and faith, we can navigate even the stormiest seas. Here I am today, blessed with the opportunity to write for The Mt. Kenya Times, a golden platform that allows me to express the realities and aspirations of my generation.
This is more than just a job for me; it is a chance to give voice to the voiceless and to reflect the dreams and struggles of the youth. As I pour my thoughts onto this page, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude. This newspaper is not just a medium of information; it is a conduit for change, a beacon of hope in a world often overshadowed by despair.
My journey is a testament to the fact that nobody truly understands what tomorrow holds. Yet, amid the uncertainty, there exists an undeniable feeling deep within us, a whisper that reassures us: “You’ll make it” or “You’re there.” These internal affirmations are not mere figments of our imagination; they are the seeds of potential that lie dormant, waiting for the right moment to bloom.
My mother has always believed in me, her unwavering faith a source of strength in my life. There were times I would question her sincerity, wondering if she truly understood the challenges I faced. Yet, her belief in my abilities became a guiding light in the darkest of times. She taught me that nothing is impossible, that every obstacle can be surmounted if we find a way to confront it.
But what does finding a “way” really mean? It is an ambiguous concept, a notion that varies from person to person. For some, it is the pursuit of education; for others, it is the quest for personal growth or the forging of meaningful connections.
Finding a way requires introspection and resilience, the ability to adapt and evolve in the face of adversity. It demands that we rise above the noise, filter through the doubts, and embrace the whispers of hope that beckon us forward. I remember the countless nights I spent poring over my studies, my dreams dancing tantalizingly close yet frustratingly out of reach.
I had moments of despair, questioning whether my aspirations were foolish or if the world was even ready to embrace a voice like mine. But with each passing day, I learned that the only limitations are those we impose on ourselves. I discovered that resilience is born from struggle, that our setbacks can be our greatest teachers. With every challenge I faced, I found a renewed sense of purpose, a fire ignited within me that refused to be extinguished. It was in those moments of doubt that I truly understood the power of community, the strength that comes from lifting one another up.
As I pen these words, I feel a profound connection to my generation—their struggles, their dreams, and their aspirations. We are a resilient bunch, navigating a world that often feels indifferent to our plight. Yet, amidst the chaos, we find solace in our shared experiences, in the knowledge that we are not alone in this journey. We have the ability to create change, to challenge the status quo, and to redefine what is possible. Our voices matter, and our stories deserve to be told.
This is a call to action for all of us. Let us rise together, united by our dreams and fueled by our passions. Let us embrace the uncertainties of tomorrow with courage and conviction, for it is in the face of adversity that our true strength shines.
I want to remind every young person reading this: your dreams are valid, your aspirations are worthy, and your voice deserves to be heard. Do not allow the doubts of others to stifle your spirit; let them serve as fuel for your fire. When the world tells you “no,” respond with a resounding “yes.” When the path seems treacherous, remember that the greatest journeys often begin with a single step.
Embrace the ambiguity of life, for it is in that ambiguity that we find our true selves. Life is a tapestry woven from countless threads of experience, each contributing to the beautiful narrative that is uniquely ours. I vividly recall the first newspaper I got involved with, and the laughter of my colleagues still resonates in my mind.
They mocked me mercilessly, dismissing my ambitions as fanciful. One of them sneered, saying, “That belongs to old people.” They believed only the elderly read magazines, while another accused me of clout chasing. But was I truly? They even said, “How can you write all this? This is ChatGPT!” Yet these are the same people I attended high school with, who heard my composition read aloud in front of the entire school one Monday. Their doubts won’t deter me from reading novels and crafting innovative, impactful articles on social, political, and economic issues.
I refused to let their words hold me back. Though I’ve wrestled with faith, I’ve never questioned God’s work because I believe and know He exists. So why should I give up? Yes, there are highs and lows, but God will never assign you a task you can’t overcome. Trust me, people will chatter, hate, love, and gossip, but none of them can define who you are or what your future holds.
The Mt. Kenya Times newspaper is not just a publication; it is a powerful platform for transformation, a voice for the unheard, and a wellspring of inspiration for our generation. It elevates the stories that matter, offering a stage for the dreams and aspirations of young people like me. I apologize if I sound like a pastor, but I felt compelled to share this from my heart. This newspaper is a radiant beacon of hope for all of us.
As we continue this journey, let us honor the dreams of those who came before us, those who fought for a better tomorrow, and let us carry their legacy forward. We have the power to shape our destinies, to rewrite the narrative, and to pave the way for future generations. Together, we can create a world that is not only aware of our dreams but actively supports and uplifts them. In this uncertain world, let us be the architects of our own futures, the voices that echo through the corridors of time. And as we look toward tomorrow, let us do so with hope, resilience, and an unwavering belief in our collective power to create change. Nobody knows what tomorrow holds, but together, we can shape it into something extraordinary
This article was scripted by;
MIDMARK ONSONGO, SGS
(Socio-Geographic Scholar)
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