AN OPEN LETTER FROM ISAAC

Just as a dream, an ambition, an aspiration lies in every little boy/girl/youth’s heart, the same lay deep in my heart. Even as a real little kid, I had a dream to pursue education. But alas, a separation between my parents wiped out my dream to complete my studies.
My name is Isaac, a Kenyan male youth and a resident of Timau. I was raised by a single parent. My mother has been the sole bread winner of our family since I was a little boy. She unfortunately developed medical problems that were followed by an operation that left her weak and unable to work anymore.
It was during and after the operation of my mother that I discontinued my high school education for lack of tuition fees. I dropped out of school in grade eleven. However, after three years of doing odd jobs to support my mother and brother, through the help of well wishers, I was able to go back to school and complete my twelfth grade and sit for my national government examination for Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education. The results were released, and kumbe!, my hard work was rewarded with good grades, having attained a B+ academic rating average for 8 subjects by the Kenya National Examination Council.
In the year 2007, I applied and was admitted to the University of Nairobi to follow a career in bachelor of law. I was so, so excited to begin the four year course of studies. I made it through the first and second year, loving every moment of it and working hard. With great excitement I took up my internship posting at Nanyuki law courts where I got practical experience to blend with the procedural and substantive theory we did in school.
Unfortunately in the beginning of my third year of study, my good Samaritans could no longer help me with tuition fees and, sadly, this led me to once again to discontinue my studies. I felt discouraged and depressed. Once again my classmates all returned to school and I stayed home to look for odd jobs. I missed my studies and I missed my friends. My dreams were once again shattered. The hope of making the best in life through education was once again compromised.
When all hope was gone, imagine my great surprise this fall when I’m told that through the Newman Mission Center I am going back to school. Imagine my joy as I rush back down to Nairobi to re-join my classmates and continue on with my courses, and catch up with what I missed these past months. Who is Newman Mission Center?, I ask. I am told they are a group who help people who are struggling. In deep gratitude, I promise I will give back the best of knowledge attained at school to my community and to be an inspiration, a role model to all the youth and school-going students who might be going through the same life experience as me. Yes, in future I will also help people who are struggling.
Newman Mission Center, you have given me wings; it is now my promise that I will “fly” to make all the people who have contributed towards my academic excellence proud. I will be a positive force for good in my country, and as a lawyer, I will help right wrongs, and I will be a voice for the poor and voiceless. Also, once I finish and get employment I will help my brother to get his education, and will help my mother with her medical problems and be there for her as she ages.Newman Mission Center, may all the blessings of this Christmas festive season and New Year be with you. For me 2010 will truly be a “NEW” Year. God’s abundant blessings to each and every one of you who are members of Newman Mission Center. Love, Isaac