From Graduate To Professional Counselor: The Journey Of Jane Ngigi Principal Africana College Of Professionals
Starting off her journey after High School, Jane was a naive, shy and low self- esteemed girl, who had no idea where life would throw her or what her purpose was.
The Beginning.
Being raised from a humble background, Jane cleared her High School studies and decided to study Computer Appliances and Secretariat, simply cause she had no option. She was hardworking, despite her naivety and lack of knowledge as to what meaning she holds in life.
The Turning Point.
Things changed in 2010 when she met her mentor, Dr. Susan Gitau, who introduced her to further options and gave her an opportunity to study at her school; Africana College of Professionals. Jane chose to take the opportunity and started off with a certificate in Counselling Psychology, even though it was not exactly her passion. She saw it as an opportunity to grow herself,and support her family, so why not?
The Struggle.
Jane started her course work when she was just but a young Mother,and you can be sure it was not easy. In order for her to survive with her young born she simply worked as a receptionist at the school and fended off tokens from the administration. Based on the volunteer work she did at Dr. Susan’s Institution; International Professional Counselors Centre( I.P.C.C), she had no permanent income, initially. She had trouble balancing time for her studies, her family and work at the same time. She often faced burnouts as well. But this did not deter her from going forward,she worked diligently and studied smart.
The Journey.
Despite her unsure start, Jane found herself immersed in Counselling and volunteer work. Not only did she clear her Certificate but she found herself in love with Counselling. She decided to pursue it further, and did her Diploma and continued on for a BA program scholarship that was offered by the school which was then and still is in partnership with Tangaza University and later graduated in 2015 with a degree. Along the way, Jane embarked on built- in knowledge by taking on some short courses like, Stress Management, Training of Trainers( T.O.T), Therapeutic Community Training program by Dr. Susan. Majored on counselling sessions, personal therapies and facilitations not only in Kenya but around East Africa too.
Where She Is Now.
Jane is now a certified Marriage and Family Counselor and the Principal at Africana College of Professionals, still under the guided mentorship of Dr. Susan Gitau the Director of the school.She is currently pursuing her masters as well. She is also a proud Wife, Mother, Friend, Mentor and devoted Christian. She has grown not only Professionally but as a person as well. She has become more confident in herself, well- spoken and an Emotional Intelligent person as well. She has developed life-long values like, Patience, Tolerance, Commitment, Diligence and Resilience. It was not a perfect journey, but things got clearer along the way, because she made a choice.
Her Motivation.
Her Motivation through the journey was her family, who mean everything to her. Being a Christian since young, she believes through all she had God’s strength and guidance. Supportive mentorship, especially from her mentor Dr. Susan Gitau, mostly in her moments of doubt. But most importantly, she had herself. Amidst the challenges, the fears, the uncertainties, she never backed down.
The Lesson.
Her Story, reminds us that you do not have to have it all figured out, you only need to start and believe in the journey and never look back. Also, when you are in need of help, ask for assistance, we all need someone to give us a footing when there’s none, does not mean you are incapable, just Human.