“Growing up, I used to go to the shamba and ‘address’ the maize stocks as a principal does to students during the parade,” said Jones with a reminiscing smile.
“Other times I was called upon to write notes on the blackboard in high school. These are acts I truly enjoyed and never thought much of them. But as I was nearing completion of my high school, I was awakened by career choices, and I discovered that all the signs were preparations to pursue teaching.”
Now she can only visualize herself not conversing with a field of maize but in front of a class engaging students for she has been called up to pursue teaching at university level.
For Jones, it was her proven track record of excellence in Chemistry and Physics, and the ability to explain concepts that captured her attention and motivated her to apply for a course to teach the subjects.
When diving into Jones’ background, you discover that Jones has had a fair share of struggles growing up. Together with her five siblings, they have been raised with income from casual labor which is hardly enough to provide food, let alone educate. Jones’ father is a cobbler while the mother seasonally sells vegetables and digs people’s farms.
It was at this point and through a family friend intervention, Jones’ family came to know of United Kenya Rising who have been supporting her education and family since.
On completion of her high school studies with an outstanding performance, Jones has gained admission to Kaimosi University where she will pursue Bachelors in Education, Chemistry and Physics option.
Jones is very excited with what the future holds for her and she is looking forward to living it. “Once I get teaching license I am definitely starting a school. I want the younger generation to access education regardless of financial constrains. I believe education is an equalizer, and all social classes should access it,” said Jones.
To be a game changer of her home is also one of her aspirations. She desires to give her parents, who have struggled to raise a better life. For now, she is counting on UKR’s further education support to enable her realize her dreams.
