Sharon Momanyi:I did odd jobs to raise my fees

KTN News anchor Sharon Momanyi and alumni of Daystar University talks about her campus life, doing odd jobs to raise fees and how she met her best friend.

Which campus did you attend?

I attended Daystar University Athi River where I pursued a mass communications degree majoring in PR and electronic media. I later did my masters degree in international relations at USIU and graduated in 2016.

Growing up, what did you want to do.?

I wanted to be a doctor. I was in fact the health prefect and a girl scout at Moi High School Kabarak. I was involved in many health issues affecting the students and felt fulfilled during the many times I administered first aid. At some point in high school, however, I underwent a very tough time that caused my grades to drop. I failed to get into medicine school but was able to pursue literature, my second love.

If your parents had their way, what would you be?

My parents both passed on. I’m convinced, however, that they’d be very proud of what I am doing now. My father was after all annoyingly proud of my English.

Did you miss any classes?

Unfortunately yes. In Daystar I was the chair person of the students’ union association and it took up a lot of time because it involved handling a lot of student issues.

Your worst class was?

There were some bible classes that were too theological for me. I just wasn’t getting it. Ironically, I’m very spiritual and I enjoy reading the Bible.

Who was your favourite lecturer?

Dr Nancy Booker and Dr Wambui Wamunyu were tough and strict on time. We always thought they overburdened us with assignments but in hindsight, they really instilled in us a lot of knowledge and and crucial values like discipline. I admire them a lot.

Your best campus experience was?

Being the vice chair in charge of academics in DUSA. I founded the weekly quiz challenge called the IQ challenge where students would register in groups and participate in a competition that challenged knowledge in various fields.

Dating experience

I had a steady relationship while in campus with a very handsome and smart Tanzanian guy. He is definitely one of the highlights of my campus life. He is a great guy and we are still good friends.

If you were to go back to campus what would you do differently?

I had a great balance of studies and extra-curricular activities. I would, however, engage a little more in sports.

Marking extra cash meant?

I did work-study and was resident assistant, which entailed making sure the hostels were in good shape. In turn the school paid for some of my classes and DUSA gave us some allowances. My first year was really tough because I hardly had money to even buy my toiletries and have youthful engagements. By the time I was leaving, however, I had been awarded a HELB loan that supplemented my savings.

Are you still close to your campus friends?

My best friends presently are friendships carved in campus. Sophia Wanuna, whom I work with in KTN, was my roommate in campus. Grace Mbega and Susan Akinyi with whom we were in the student union are also my closest friends.