A Testament to Sisterhood and Connection on World Pulse
Apr 17, 2024
Story
Seeking
Encouragement
Faith Mwende
Kenya
Joined Sep 24, 2023
Photo Credit: Faith Mwende
Faith Mwende
In a letter to her World Pulse sister Susan Khasoa, Faith Mwende expresses gratitude for her mentorship.
Step outside that comfort zone, learn that code, and be inspired as I did. A feeling of giving up may loom, but step forward anyway.
It has been a humbling journey of learning and growth. While the road ahead may seem long, I walk with an unwavering belief that I’ll make it one day. I envision the day I write my story as a testament to the power of human connection and shared experiences that shaped our connection, serving as a pivotal juncture and setting the stage for personal growth.
Amid the setbacks that defined my recent years, a dialogue emerged within me, a conversation with the shadows of adversity. Seeking guidance, I turned to this amazing, intelligent lady, driven by her passion for empowering youth, my mentor, Susan Khasoa. As we celebrate global sisterhood and the collective power of World Pulse, I’m thrilled to celebrate her. Sometimes, we sadly forget to appreciate and wonder if we are becoming less human. Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it. I may not yet be where I want to be, but I’m thankful to her because I’m not where I used to be.
Life begins with one step outside the comfort zone, that faith of taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase. Pride is a piece of us that holds us back until we realize that we need help sometimes. January 19 still lingers in my mind. I reached out for guidance, and she was so friendly, pleasant, and easy to talk to. We met by chance and became friends, and now our destiny keeps us close to each other. After I shared my aspirations and fears, she said, “Adversity is a stern teacher, but it molds character and resilience. Embrace the challenges, for they have the power to shape a future beyond your current imagining. Her words are a beacon of hope amid my uncertainties.
She introduced me to coding, a path that would redefine my identity. I embarked on a journey of reshaping my future. It’s a journey of resilience and self-discovery. It’s a testament to my ability to overcome the shadows of the past and forge my own path. She believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. She thought I could do it when I felt coding was a daunting task reserved only for the tech wizards. She believed in me when I feared not being smart enough, an overwhelming number of coding languages, the fast-paced change in tech, and giving up on the way. She encouraged me that coding can be challenging, but it's more accessible than it looks with the right mindset. Her words weaved encouragement into the fabric of my evolving journey.
She tells me that learning to code is a journey, so to be patient with myself, stay curious, and not be afraid to make mistakes. As I faced the crossroads of my academic pursuits and personal struggles, the dialogue with my mentor became a compass, guiding me toward newfound determination. The journey is never-ending. There will always be growth, improvement, and adversity. Transformation is a process, and as life happens, there are many ups and downs. It’s a journey of discovery; there are moments on mountaintops and moments in deep valleys of despair. I’m focusing on the journey, not the destination. Joy is not found in finishing an activity but in doing it.
Step outside that comfort zone, learn that code and be inspired as I did. A feeling of giving up may loom, but step forward anyway. I accept failure. Everyone fails at something. But I can’t accept not trying – failure is part of the process. You just learn to pick yourself up. It’s a memory that tells us that what we’re now striving for was once nearer and truer and attached to us with infinite tenderness. Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up. I like to strive not because there are any guarantees of success but because striving is the only way to keep up with life. But we must not live on hope. Let's step beyond expectations and remain resilient.
Coding requires empathy, practice, and willingness to invest time and effort. It has made my life more fulfilling. Learning something each day about how to juggle the game is fun. I am most grateful to Susan for her unconditional love and support.
Graduating from university and becoming a tech wizard seems like a far-fetched dream, but one day, I will live that dream. I will ensure everyone feels valued and heard, recognizing everyone matters, especially those who need support the most. I will keep making music that carries the secret that pure human connection is liberty. I will turn off the sounds that drag people down to the pit of despair.
I genuinely appreciate Susan's thoughtfulness in making this connection happen. It is an excellent opportunity, and I'm excited about its potential. I look forward to more guidance and support. Your support means a lot to me, and I am committed to maximizing this opportunity. I’m lucky to call you a friend. Words aren’t enough to express my gratitude for all your guidance. I never thought I’d have so much fun learning coding.
To read Susan's letter to Faith, click here.
STORY AWARDS
This story was published as part of World Pulse's Story Awards program. We believe every woman has a story to share, and that the world will be a better place when women are heard. Share your story with us, and you could receive added visibility, or even be our next Featured Storyteller! Learn more.