Dorcas Achieng

My name is Anne Dorcas Achieng Ochieng and below is my story.

Embarking on an academic journey later in life can be a testament to one's determination, resilience, and passion for learning. My story is no exception, as it beautifully showcasesmy  dedication to education and personal growth.

Born and raised in the tranquil village of Migori County, Kenya, I was fortunate to grow up in a family of eight children. Despite the challenges that often accompany limited resources, my parents instilled in us the invaluable habit of reading storybooks daily. This early exposure to literature nurtured my curiosity and laid the foundation for my lifelong love of learning.

Life took me through various stages before I decided to pursue higher education. I embraced motherhood at the age of 40, a decision that shaped my life in profound ways. While raising your child, I recognized the importance of setting an example and demonstrating the value of education. With this newfound perspective, I embarked on an inspiring academic journey.

Your path led me to a Bachelor of Commerce degree with a focus on Human Resources, a field that resonated with my interest in understanding and nurturing the potential of individuals within organizations. Graduating at 38 years old, I proved that age is no barrier to achieving one's educational goals.

But my thirst for knowledge didn't end there. Undeterred by the challenges of balancing motherhood and academics, I decided to pursue a Master's in Business Administration with a specialization in Human Resources. The decision to further my education at this stage of life is a testament to my unwavering commitment to personal and professional growth.

As I progress in my studies, I have already completed my coursework for my MBA and am now gearing up to defend your thesis in October 2023. This achievement will be the culmination of countless hours of dedication, research, and intellectual exploration.

My career has also been marked by notable achievements. With eight years of experience as a senior admin and faculty advisor at KCA University, I believe I have left an indelible mark on both the institution and the lives of those I have interacted with. My passion for education and my ability to guide and advise students have undoubtedly left a lasting positive impact.

Beyond academia and career, my life is enriched by m beloved cat, a companion that provides solace and comfort in the midst of my endeavors. My commitment to doing better, giving more, and spreading kindness shines through in all aspects of my life.

Your story is a testament to the power of determination, the significance of continuous learning, and the impact of upbringing. From the small village of Migori County to the halls of academia, I have embraced each step of my journey with grace and resilience, inspiring others to pursue their dreams regardless of age or circumstances.My journey is a reminder that education knows no bounds and that the pursuit of knowledge is a lifelong adventure.

I began my professional journey as a school secretary at Maseno School from 2007 to 2010. Afterward, I took a step to further my education. I successfully obtained a certificate in Guidance and Counseling from the University of Nairobi, and also acquired a certificate in French from the Alliance Francaise College in Kisumu.

In November 2014, I joined KCA University as an enrollment officer. My contributions were exceptional, leading to remarkable enrollment numbers. My dedication and performance were acknowledged when I received a letter of appreciation from the campus director for my outstanding achievements in enrollment. I also enrolled for my Bachelor, successfully graduating with a 2nd Class Upper Division with a Bachelor of Commerce, Human Resource option.

My career continued to progress, and in January 2022, I was promoted to a senior administrative and faculty advisor role at the School of Business, KCA University's main campus. I have continued to excel in my administrative responsibilities, as evident from my performance appraisals. Notably, I have been entrusted with additional responsibilities, including supervising junior administrators in the Faculty of the School of Business. I also enrolled for my Masters in Business Administration Human Resouce option in September 2022, i have successfully completed my course work and anticipate to defend my thesis in October 2023.

Overall, my professional journey showcases a trajectory of growth, dedication, and success, marked by my contributions to enrollment, administrative excellence, and leadership in various roles at different educational institutions.

I have encapsulated the key points of my educational journey quite well. I pursued a Bachelor of Commerce Human Resource option from May 2015 to November 2018 through part-time evening classes, which I shared with younger peers in their 20s. Despite facing financial limitations, I was determined and managed to graduate with pride at the age of 38. During my studies, I formed meaningful friendships and gained valuable knowledge in Human Resource operations, thanks to the guidance of excellent lecturers. This experience boosted my self-belief, leading me to commit to further investing in my academic journey. It's a testament to my dedication and perseverance and finally declaring that yes, i am a graduate!