Written by Lydiah Wakiru

My name is Lydiah Wakiuru and I am 20 years. Last year, I completed a course in beauty esthetics. Looking for a job on your own in Kenya is very challenging simply because I think you really need connections from friends and family. Youth like me don’t have those kind of connections.

I pushed hard to find work by myself but always came up short, which was very discouraging. I am so thankful to Madam Moyra who stepped in to help me find me a job.

I joined a law firm in Nairobi on January 7th as an administrative trainee. I never expected to be working with lawyers! But as I am realizing, sometimes it’s good to try something beyond your comfort zone.

I am working in the administrative office. My main role is to receive phone calls from any department, deliver letters to different firms, write and scan documents, photocopy, print and much more. When I work in reception, I have to deal with different kinds of people and this is difficult at times.

When I am sent to different parts of Nairobi, sometimes I got lost and I have to call the office for directions. But getting lost makes me get to know Nairobi!

I remember my first day on the job. It was very hectic because I was not used to this kind of working environment. I felt out of place and very uncomfortable. I honestly didn’t know if I was going to be able to do the job. But as days passed by, I realized that I was very capable and slowly gained confidence. Now I really enjoy learning new things and am becoming the ‘go-to’ person in the office! I am determined with my job and love making money! I can buy some nice clothes so that I can look professional. It makes me feel very grown up and proud of myself.

I am encouraging my brothers and sisters at the project to be brave. I tell them not to be afraid to step out of their comfort zones and try something different! I am learning that breaking through personal barriers makes you a better, wiser and stronger person in the end.

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