MKU is a top destination for students looking for courses in the Kenya and beyond
By James Wakahiu
First Year students joining universities have been told to change their
mindsets from working alone to pass exams as they did in secondary schools to
seeking help and collaborations with fellow students and lecturers in campuses
so as to succeed in their academic life.
“Sometimes school conditions us to work alone but I urge you to learn
to relate with your colleagues, mentors and teaching staff to help you achieve
your goals. Never fail to ask for help when you need it. Do not walk
alone,” says Mount Kenya University (MKU) Vice-Chancellor, Prof Deogratius
Jaganyi.
“As a student pursuing to succeed in your career aspirations, keep your goal
in mind. The moment you lose sight of that pursuit of success your
dream will start dying. Always stay in motion,” the VC told First
Year students joining MKU this month.
Photo/Mount Kenya University (MKU) Vice-Chancellor, Prof Deogratius Jaganyi.
Prof Jaganyi spoke to the newcomers on ‘The Road to Success in
University’ at the Mwai Kibaki Convention Centre at the institution’s main
campus in Thika town. “The journey to success is paved with failure, difficulty
and pain.
According to James Gitau, expecting to go through life without downs is
unrealistic and it sets you to fall harder when failure occurs. On
the other hand, if you avoid failure, it prevent you from focusing on gaining
the resilience needed to cope with it, a vital element of bouncing back,” he
said.
He warned them that academic success has nothing to do with skillset
or financial backing, but it is all in the mind.
“Keep in mind that there is no ceiling on success, decide how far you
want to go in life. Enjoy the process. Colton Black said: “Getting
there is more than half the battle and if you are miserable or unwilling to
appreciate the pursuit, then you will find a hollow joy in finally reaching
your destination,” he added.
He compared orientation to preparations that cabin crew make before a flight
takes off. “The flight attendants take the passengers through safety
procedures when at the aircraft.
Similar to your case, before you take off we are taking you through student
orientation to create awareness of the university governance and management
structures, regulations, procedures, support systems and teaching facilities
that are in your environment,” he said.
The VC urged the First Years to take time and understand systems,
regulations and procedures.
“The FIFA World Cup 2022 ended recently and I believe many of you are
fans. Those who understand football know that there are operational
guidelines and there are rules of the game. As you go through the
process of orientation, please ensure that you understand the operational
guidelines and regulations of your academic environment,” he added,
He tipped the freshers to have strong aspirations. “Aspiration is a strong
desire to achieve something that you value. You cannot begin this journey of
studentship in MKU without knowing what it is you are pursuing,” he said.
Students must also set achievable goals – a plan of action that guides you
on how you will attain your goals.
“Always monitor progress of your achievements as this motivates you
and keeps you committed to your goal. Remember that goals are backed
by actions,” he said.
The varsity don reminded the learners to be determined and not to forget to
work hard. “University education requires a lot of hard work and one must be
self-driven.
No one will follow up if you are attending lectures, but at the end of the
day, the University Administration will check if you attained 75 per cent to be
allowed to sit for examinations.
No one will follow up if you visit the Library to study but at the end of
the day it will show on your end term examination results.
He told the students to be prudent managers of resources, including
time
“You have a lot of time at Campus but you must avoid involvement in
activities that do not add value to you and those that do not support your
aspirations.
Remember that you are here on a specified period of time depending on your
respective programmes,” he warned.
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