A child’s future should never be a matter of luck or chance. Although I currently hold a master's in Archaeological Materials Science, this milestone might be considered a result of luck or grace. I could have been easily and aimlessly lost to the world without the support and guidance of people like Madam Penina. I have had many teachers in my education career, and perhaps there are more to come, but to many, I was just a troubled child.
There is a saying that a good teacher makes a good student. It took teachers who cared like Madam Penina to see the potential hidden inside me. She is one of the best teachers I have ever had and perhaps the best teacher any student can have. Not only is she excellent in teaching, but she is also excellent at motivating, inspiring, supporting, and challenging her students to take on big dreams and goals and become the best versions of themselves.
My childhood trauma rendered me incapable of expressing myself, hence my ideas, opinions, thoughts, and most of the questions I had were rarely heard. They mainly existed inside my head; my imagination became my heaven. This not only affected my self-confidence in class but also my academic grades.
I recall going to Madam Penina’s office during the second semester of my first year to collect my exam paper. Sweating and scared not knowing what to expect, she handed me my exam paper, congratulated me, and started talking about how to improve my grades. I worked into her office scared but worked out motivated, inspired, and with a new perspective.
After putting her advice into action my grades improved drastically from a 3.2 GPA during my first year to 4.1 during the second year. I also became confident and more active in class having and initiating discussions with my fellow students and lecturers. These improvements sparked a desire in me to pursue further education.
Even after graduating Madam Penina continued to provide her guidance and support tirelessly. I recall reaching out asking for her support to pursue graduate studies. She was very generous with her time and shared different opportunities including an internship at the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA). Her recommendation made it possible for me to secure an internship position at NCAA, where I worked under the Department of Cultural Heritage. She also pointed me to different scholarships including ERASMUS MUNDUS Joint master’s scholarship programs and provided me with recommendation letters. Such support was crucial in my application process and eventually led me to secure an ERASMUS MUNDUS Joint master’s scholarship to study Archaeological Materials Science (ARCHMAT) at three different universities in Europe.
As a teacher and a mentor madam Penina has played a significant role in my academic career. She is one of the few people who have shown and taught me the importance of caring, kindness, hard work, and good character. I hope she continues to support and shape students’ academic careers as she has shaped mine. I believe that carrying on not only the lessons I have learned from her but also extending a helping hand to students who need it will be the best way to honour her support in my academic career.