Ida Mwangi

 092087. COMMUNICATION SKILLS II. ASSIGNMENT. PERSONAL REFLECTION. We write to taste life twice, in the moment and in retrospect. Yet really, what is a first year student really supposed to narrate about their life? Being barely twenty years of age, life is still quite a puzzle. It has only been about year since I left high school. With that came the burden of personal responsibility. Yes, burden. Taking care of myself is not as easy as I anticipated. As if that is not enough, I am told that the world is a dangerous place. I guess this is a parabolic statement that is shouting a “Your security lies in your hands” to my very core. Classes need to be attended; long ones for that matter, and some of which tend to be very boring. Loads of assignments, both individual and group work, need to be completed and submitted on some due dates. After all, course work is important too. Random and continuous assessment tests have to be revised for, especially considering the fact that I do not desire to look at a messed up transcript. Finally, in the midst of all this, I have to have a social life; for my own wellbeing, and to create networks to boost my career later on. That, is my life, as it is now. I would like to describe it as a walk in the desert with the hope that you will find an oasis to refill your water can. Well, I am that traveller in the desert. My oasis is the life I foresee for myself ten years to come. I hope to have pursued my masters and PhD successfully, and possibly risen to the rank of a Chief Finance Officer. Maybe at that point I will be seriously contemplating about starting a business or a consultancy. It would also be nice to have settled down at that time. I sure can’t say much about having had children, but I plan to be married by then. So, the big question; what drives me to dream so big, and work tirelessly towards my vision? I have had a passion for Maths from a very young age. At some point in primary school I used to wonder in silence why I should do the tests yet the outcome will remain- outstanding. My parents being lovers of arithmetic made it even better. I would have double practice, at school and at home. Upon proceeding to high school, I developed a special connection with business studies. In my final year there, I sat wondering why I should pursue something aside from what I love. Finding no reason whatsoever, I decided to dedicate the rest of my life to a specialization in accounting and finance. One year down the line, not once have I questioned my decision. Involving myself in leadership posts has been on my mind since I was seven. I even got to be a prefect for most of my primary school life. It’s actually fun to experience in real life the concept of fairness to all, both friends and enemies. I also like music. The vocals and instruments are all so soothing. Well, I mean, doesn’t your mind and body at times shout out “We need a vacation!”? I think one of my most unique strengths is my good handwriting. It has got me to the safe and victorious finish line of quite a number of writing competitions. It is such a lovely furnishing to my love and interest in the art of writing. The word “imperfect” actually spells “I’m perfect” because everyone is perfect in their own imperfect ways. I may be strong, but that is not to say I am not weak. Contrary to what most of my friends perceive me to be, I am a poor time manager and a terrible procrastinator. Things don’t fair on so well when someone angers me. I can be as sensitive as an explosive. To top it all up, I have this awkward thing about having butterflies in my tummy only before the presentation. I say this because once I have commenced, I become quite ok. All my inspirations, interests, strengths, and weaknesses are going to blend so well to guide me to my so desired oasis. It’s a beautiful thing when a career and a passion come together. I am passionate about what I have chosen; so I stick to being tough when the going gets tough. There will come a point when I will have to lead on my journey towards my goals. Moreover, I envision myself as a leader that decade to come. My interest in leadership will certainly take control there. The secret to every problem is to work on it, which is precisely what I am doing with my weaknesses. I am trying to work on some of my mind tools to ensure that I grow into a better time manager, and chase off that small monkey in my head that keeps telling me how I still have so much time to finish my tasks. At least school helps me to be better at my public speaking. I am also seeking other avenues, such as clubs, where I can get more practice. It might take a while, but it is worth it that I have taken the first step. As for my short temper outbursts, only time can tell. Plans will always have two probabilities; success or failure. What happens when I discover that my water can is running dry and I cannot find my way to the oasis? That is where I go back to the drawing board; not to restart the same process, but to work on my plan B. I could choose another direction in my field; auditor, risk manager, financial analyst. The list could be endless. However, my decision then will be based on what will be advisable for me in the market at that time. This means I will need the guidance of somebody in the field. It is now evident why I insisted that my social life right now could be more essential than can be imagined. With all that said, I can only hope for the best and prepare for the worst. After all, yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery; and today is a gift, that’s why we call it the present.