In pursuit of excellence

Damaris Chepkoech

Damaris Chepkoech, 27, is a lecturer at the Health and Applied Sciences department of African Institute of Research and Development in Eldoret. She talked to GARDY CHACHA about her career and side hustles

What does a lecturer’s job entail?

I design the course outline based on the syllabus of the particular modules I handle. I teach and guide students in class and I set and mark quizzes, CATs, mocks and other exams. I also liaise with the heads of departments to organise for academic visits and trips.

How is your daily schedule?

My workdays begin at 8am and end at 5pm. In a typical one, I do eight hours of lecture; four lessons (each two hours) back to back. On freer days, I have about three lessons.

If you weren’t a lecturer, what would you be?

I would be in a laboratory running tests and doing research. This is because I enjoy researching — discovering and finding solutions in the lab.

What inspired you to be a lecturer?

I am eloquent and I enjoy sharing ideas and knowledge. In the process, I acquire more knowledge. Before I teach, I have to read comprehensively, considering that Science is factual and all processes require supportive facts. Apart from that, I had been a volunteer for some time and so when I got the job, I embraced it wholeheartedly.

What is the difference between lecturing and teaching?

Lecturing is giving instructions and directions to a student who is willing to listen and follow, while teaching is breaking down information to the simplest form for a student to comprehend.

What range of disciplines do you teach?

Anatomy and physiology, histology, immunology, cytology, pharmacology, pharmacognosy, maternal child health care, animal husbandry, medical microbiology and some short courses such as HIV, Aids and First Aid.

What are the challenges of being a lecturer?

I have a small body and some students don’t take me seriously. Some ask questions, not to because they are interested in the answers, but to test my ‘aptitude’. Another one would be lack of modern apparatus for practical courses, making it hard to explain some of the concepts.

What does it take to be a qualified lecturer?

I need to know my content, connect with my students and deliver knowledge in the most appropriate and comprehensive ways. The aim is to ensure students perform well by getting better grades and to transform their lives by offering life skills.

How has your career affected your personal life?

Being in school everyday of the week, except for weekends, is exhausting.

How do you unwind, away from the busy professional life?

On weekends, I visit family and friends, go out and attend to my rabbits (yes, I rear rabbits). On other weekends, I make business trips to buy stock for my side business (I sell women’s bags, accessories, shoes and cosmetics). I also enjoy watching movies and reading inspirational books. I sometimes visit children’s homes and mentor adolescents on sexual reproductive health and life skills.

What are your future prospects?

I intend to go back to school and attain a Masters degree in Molecular Biology or Public Health. My greatest dream and ambition is to work with a research institution.

How do you maintain a good working relationship with your students?

I create an atmosphere where students can communicate without fear. When the lesson is interactive, the students feel free to offer sentiments and their honest thoughts rather than keep quiet and feel suppressed. I give room for a ‘slow leaner’ to ask questions or seek clarification outside class. I use mind teasers and jokes to make my classes fun.

What would you do if you lost your job?

I would focus on my businesses and probably add other animals like chicken and sheep. I would also mentor more adolescents.

Your parting shot…

When you pursue excellence, success will follow and overtake you. That’s what I have been up to and continue to do every day.