And so it begins. Phd Journey at Penn State

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Prof Salzberg: Are you lost? Sheldon: No I am exactly where I am supposed to be

It feels like I have been dreading this moment my entire life—and of course, I couldn’t wait to reference Young Sheldon’s ending scene with this. For as long as memory can stretch, I have drawn inspiration from people who have charted the path of academia.

In my primary school, All Saints Kamoiywo Preparatory Boarding School in Kabiyet, Nandi County, I had the chance to listen to the very first person I ever met with a doctorate degree. His name was Dr. Sutter, and I love that he did not shy away from making himself available as a resource to many who probably didn’t have role models in academia.

I was perhaps 13 at the time, but I remember internally asking God to straighten my path so that I might be able to pursue my studies to the highest degree possible.

Having been in the USA for the last two years, this dream started to feel close. Honestly, sometimes I fall into the trap of rationalizing that this opportunity is so obvious—but then I remind myself to pause, reflect, and go back in time to remember what I wanted, lest I forget or take it for granted. I am happy, grateful, and humbled to be starting my PhD in German Literature and African Studies at Penn State University. By no means do I think this is going to be a walk in the park, but I recently heard a quote that really motivated me: “We ought to celebrate the process, not the outcome.” I am stepping into this new chapter with full conviction that this has been God’s design for my life, and that He will give me the strength to endure.

But why academia?

Well, first off—not to be rich (that never happens in academia) or to be famous—but because it boils down to the idea of knowledge construction and criticism. It goes back to the very fundamentals of education. In my research, I hope to study life narratives by Black diasporas in Germany. For me, this will allow me to play my part and, in the grand scheme of things, fulfill God’s purpose for my life—to do that assignment for which He has called me.

So here’s to a new start in the wonderful borough of State College.