Having waited for 13 years to achieve this milestone, I hope it inspires someone on what is possible when we remain hopeful, discover and pursue our passion, work hard and never stop dreaming. Whatever you desire is possible with determination. My encouragement is to never despair and to keep the faith. Go for it, as my bank would say!

Nelson Opany

19th December 2019 was a very happy day for me. It was a day of celebration. I celebrated the triumph of hope over despair; and the power of passion and hard work. I started a new chapter in my life.

Thirteen years before, I missed out on the opportunity to join university through government-sponsored selection upon completion of my Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education examinations where I had scored a B-Plain with an average of 65 points. Disappointedly, I went to live with my brother who had no means of putting me through university. Without parents to go back to for guidance and support I was left on my own to figure out a direction for my life.  I never despaired.

Thanks to Scouting, I realized a passion which helped to define for me a purpose and a path that I follow to date. Through the many non-formal educational experiences I took part in through the movement at local, national, zonal, regional and global levels I found joy and motivation to pursue my dreams. I picked up a lot of skills and competencies that landed me a job which continues to sustain my family and me.

In April 2015, I enrolled as a student at Moi University to pursue and bachelors degree programme in communication and public relations; a field of study I have developed a great passion for. My quest for knowledge turned out to be a busy, challenging and equally rewarding four-year journey of learning and professional growth. My graduation on that day marked the end of a chapter I had long waited to close. I thank God it came to pass.

This would not have been possible without the support and encouragement of several people to whom I owe a huge debt of gratitude. My colleagues from the World Scout Bureau Africa Regional Office were of great support and motivation. I cannot thank enough my dear wife and mother of our two wonderful boys, Benta. She endured my coming home late when I had to attend evening classes, stay longer in the office to do my assignments or stay up late to read for exams. My classmates at the university too were very supportive. As our class representative, Mr Daniel Shikoli used to say, I indeed agree that “degree ni Harambee”. It was a journey of sharing knowledge and guiding each other.

Nelson (centre) with classmates (L-R) Sarah, Joyce, Damian, Morgan and Kamau

I got conferred upon, by the Senate of Moi University, the powers to read and write on all matters appertaining to the degree of Bachelor of Science in Communications and Public Relations (2nd Class Honours, Upper Division). This was a moment of great pride that ushered in a new beginning in my professional life. I became the first of my seven siblings to attain university education, setting a new high for the family and hopefully inspiring those after me to aspire for even greater accolades. Thanks to my siblings Stephen, Prisca, Leteciah and Beatrice, Reagan and Leonard for all the encouragement and support.

Having waited for 13 years to achieve this milestone, I hope it inspires someone on what is possible when we remain hopeful, discover and pursue our passion, work hard and never stop dreaming. Whatever you desire is possible with determination. My encouragement is to never despair and to keep the faith. Go for it, as my bank would say!

Nelson at Moi University Administration block on collection of his certificate and transcripts

Comments (24)

  1. Vaashiz
    24/07/2020

    You are an inspiration… The future is so bright. I relate with every word and feeling in this piece! Congratulations Nelson.

    • Nelson
      24/07/2020

      Thank you Vaashiz. So long as there is hope, anything is possible

      • Morgan
        25/07/2020

        Congratulations Captain, keep soaring. We envied your organization in class, your notes came in handy for us exam time.. Hahaha

      • Chris
        25/07/2020

        Indeed an inspiration keep up

  2. Major.
    24/07/2020

    You are a great inspiration Captain

    • Nelson
      24/07/2020

      Thank you, Major.

  3. Sandie
    24/07/2020

    Wow this is so touching and inspiring we bless God who helped and saw you through its not an easy journey but you had to prove to the devil that he is not anywhere close to you he can only disappear at the smell of victory

    • Nelson
      24/07/2020

      Thank you Sandie for kind words. Victory is attainable so long as we don’t locus of the ultimate goal

    • Naomi
      25/07/2020

      Congratulation nelson

  4. SP
    24/07/2020

    I can relate big time with all that.. Hope,determination,inspiration,passion and clear goal gives a smiling face at brim end.

    • Nelson
      24/07/2020

      There is always someone somewhere going through a situation similar to ours. When we share our struggles we encourage and uplift each other. Glad you can relate.

  5. Oduor Makoniare
    25/07/2020

    Thanks to your remarkable account, I have realized that I can carry on with my Phd studies, suspended since 2017, to logical conclusion.

    • Nelson
      25/07/2020

      Indeed Oduor, it is possible. Would love to know when you finally complete

  6. Adam absura
    25/07/2020

    I can relate with every word in this story. Its a replica of what I went through.we started together though parted ways, but am thankful we continued aiming higher..” Natulenge juu” thanks for the encouragement nelson.

    • Nelson
      25/07/2020

      Thanks Adam, great to read from you. Glad that you have continued aiming high. Best wishes

  7. Hillary Murimi
    25/07/2020

    So proud of you Nelson, my scout leader back in High school, I am glad that you achieved this great milestone

    • Nelson
      25/07/2020

      Thank you, Hillary.

  8. Alice
    25/07/2020

    Great read Nelson! Congratulations and this is a great inspiration that nothing is impossible with passion and determination.

    • Nelson
      25/07/2020

      Thank you Alice, I appreciate

  9. Kimani Patrick
    25/07/2020

    Quite inspiring classmate.
    Masters sasa ikuje.

    • Nelson
      27/07/2020

      Thanks. Coming in due time

  10. Rolland Lusioli
    27/07/2020

    Wonderful blog brother, very emotional keep the torch.

  11. dottie
    19/06/2022

    encouraging .You are made for greatness

    • Nelson
      29/11/2022

      Thank you Dottie. We all have greatness in us, just need the right catalyst

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