My name is Claire and I came to the United States from Kenya 2 years ago.
How long have you been living in this area? Please share with us about your journey coming here.
I have been living in this area since May 2018. It’s the only area I have lived since I came into the country. Coming to this land of opportunity was a dream come true. It was my third trial at the visa lottery, and I was among those fortunate enough to be awarded the opportunity. I came here accompanied by my then 4-year-old daughter and was also expecting my son. My sole mission was and still is to chase my dreams (career), better my life and that of my dependents and eventually give back to the community. The spirit of “Harambee” togetherness is still very much alive in me.
We are doing a feature series about resilient women. What type of challenges in your life contributed to you becoming a resilient woman?
Since I arrived here it has not been a bed of roses like I initially thought. I have faced many challenges the greatest one been housing, finances and time management. As a single parent juggling between raising two young kids, working and taking classes while at the same time trying to settle in and adapt to the culture here has not been a walk in the park. I have learnt that to accomplish this it requires sacrifice and selflessness. It is a journey where the previous milestones act as motivation for the future ones yet to be met. It also requires a strong support system that encourages and reassures one when the going gets too tough. I have learnt the art of prioritizing, accounting for my time and seizing opportunities that are available. I like the phrase “success happens when opportunity meets preparation”. I am a classical example of it.
How are you staying resilient during this time of COVID19?
During this time of COVID 19, I choose to stay resilient by continuing to take my studies online while at the same time seizing the opportunity spend time with my children. Over time I have learnt to try and look at the positive side of every situation despite how challenging it might be. This always helps me keep my joy and look up to a brighter tomorrow. Online classes have their own challenges especially for a first timer, but I choose to not let COVID-19 get in the way of my studies.
What do you love most about Mother Africa? What motivates you to be a part of Mother Africa events and activities?
I was introduced to Mother Africa by a friend. At that time, I needed support with baby stuff. I initially thought I would go in, get the support and leave, but the warm reception that I encountered won me over. My first impression was that they really cared about my welfare. The follow up was so amazing. I felt valued.
Later, I was invited into this mum’s group that turned out to be family. It still is. They provided an avenue where one would share and connect with other mothers without getting looked down on. This avenue was God sent especially since I felt so alone with nobody to share my worries with. It is so fulfilling to be part of Mother Africa’s events and activities. I feel that Mother Africa and all their staff are a family away from home whose main purpose is to rally behind me and my fellow mums and give us the encouragement we need to chase our dreams and meet our potential.
What is your hope for the future of Mother Africa, yourself and your fellow resilient women?
My hope for the future of Mother Africa is that it will expand its boundaries across states and countries to reach out to more women in the hope of empowering them through the various support services that they offer.
I also hope that I and my fellow resilient women will each reach our potential and reach out to other women and join efforts to empower them as a way of giving back to the society. Like they say, “lighting many other candles doesn’t dim the light of the original candle, it only increases light in the room.”
Interview conducted by Mother Africa staff member Catherine Muite