The most amazing thing about someone believing in you is that they make you believe in yourself even more.
A few months ago, I was asleep when a phone call woke me up. On the other end was an opportunity I never saw coming.
"Ruth. You are an engineer, I want you to lead an upcoming training”
Without knowing exactly what I was getting into, I simply said, "Yes."
That one "yes" led to Fundamentals of Designing and Deploying Computer Networks cohort 1… then another... and eventually the last training held in Machakos; made possible by Internet Society Internet Society Foundation and Computers For Schools Kenya . Every cohort was an amazing experience. The learners were engaged, asked thoughtful questions, and even reached out after the training for guidance. Watching their confidence grow reminded me why I love internet.
Then came another unexpected challenge.
I was asked to oversee the fabrication of a professional tower (mast) for an upcoming Building Wireless Community Networks training. At first, it sounded simple. But after discussing safety, quality, and long-term use, it became clear that this couldn't just be "any" tower. It had to be professionally designed and fabricated.
Then came the words that made me pause:
*"If anything goes wrong, it will be on you."*
I won't lie, I was scared.
What if I chose a con-company unknowingly ?
What if something failed?
What if I let everyone down?
I remember praying so many times:
“Lord, please let this go well. Guide every decision I make.”
But something kept pushing me forward.
The trust that people like Ms. Esther Mwiyeria Kioni Dr Tom Musili placed in me made me want to give nothing less than my absolute best.
Dr. Tom trusted me with the responsibility. An assessment was done in Tanda Community Network as a learning experience led by David Ochiel , to achieve something of that standard. From that point on, all had to go well.
Today, I can finally say...
I did it …. Well , I was not alone… We did it!
The mast is complete. Thank You to Instol Limited for that
It was fabricated, delivered, painted and installed on time.
It's now ready for training and so much more.
And honestly... my inner child is so happy.
Sometimes we underestimate what we're capable of until someone else sees it first. Their confidence becomes the mirror that helps us discover our own.
I'm sincerely grateful to everyone who walked this journey with me, offered advice, supported the process, and trusted me with such a huge responsibility. Tanda Community Network Computers For Schools Kenya David Ochiel Alphonce Odhiambo
Now, all that's left is the training itself, and I can't wait to see everything come together.
Here's to trusting the process, embracing opportunities that scare us, and discovering new versions of ourselves along the way.
Cheers everyone , and thank you! 🙏✨