Nairobi's ways shocked me, TV news anchors experience

Doreen Gatwiri is a trained lawyer, media personality and a Swahili news anchor at Ebru TV. She also hosts a talk show called Tujadiliane.

Growing up you wanted to be a...

Medical doctor. I was the bravest kid on the block. I would help nurse my friends whenever one had injuries during playtime. I always imagined doctors can save anything.

If your parents had their way, you would have been a...
My dad is an engineer so he would have chosen engineering for me. My mother, on the other hand, is a businesswoman she always wanted me to study nursing. That said, my parents are supportive of my pursuing law.

Which college/university did you attend?
Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA).

I skipped classes...
Not many but a few (winks). As Miss CUEA 2013, there were functions I had to attend as the school ambassador.

The worst lecturer was...
There’s no such thing. Is there? I don’t think there was any.

Toughest unit...
I knew that was coming. Criminology in my first year, second semester. There were few units I didn’t perform well but I tried.

Passing exams meant..
Being in silent locations away from disruptions. I would lock myself up in my hostel room or spend hours in the library. CUEA has the best library. It’s digital and ultra-modern where everything is automated including borrowing and returning books.

Your best campus experience was?
The Cultural Week. It was a time of reflection and celebrating the diversity among the university community. The food, dress, music and language. I also enjoyed studying with students who were from other countries like Tanzania, Uganda, Congo, Malawi and Zambia. It was a memorable experience!

Dating experience...
Everything started in campus (giggles). Having been born and raised in Coast province and Meru, Nairobi was like a new world to me. I was new to everything. That a boy and a girl could kiss was culture shock for me.

What did you hate about campus?
The noise at the hostels that sometimes disrupted my sleep or study. Students get so much freedom. (Waziri Matiang’i should look into that).

If you could change anything about your campus experience what would it be?
I think I skipped one stage in life. I think I would let loose just a bit more and party like my age mates did back then. I had a boring campus life.

What would you do differently given the chance to go back to campus?
I would study journalism. Apart from law, journalism was my passion. I always wanted to be in the know and get access to daily happenings.

To make some extra cash during campus meant...
No. I concentrated on my studies fully. Wait, I think I tried selling jewelry with a pair of earrings going for Sh100 to Sh150 to my classmates once or twice. But I stopped to concentrate on my studies.