Daring Abroad: My “Becoming” Story - far from home!
By Faith Waithira
We recently checked in with our Diaspora Chapter - Scholars who are currently spread beyond Kenya’s borders to find out what studying and living far from home really feels like. Here’s part one of the series “Daring Abroad”, featuring Faith - EFAC Scholar, Class of 2024, a first-year student at the University of Pretoria.
My name is Waithira — a young, passionate, enthusiastic, daring lady from Nairobi, Kenya.
I was raised in a humble home by a resilient single mother. Maybe a common story, but one thing I learned early, and especially from my mother, is that strength isn't measured by wealth, but by will. Our days were filled with challenges, yet my mother’s determination instilled in me a powerful belief — those circumstances don’t define one’s destiny. With ambition as my compass and hard work as my vessel, I set sail on a journey to transform our story.
Each obstacle became a stepping stone. Every setback, a lesson. And now, as I reflect on the path I’ve walked, I see the fruits of perseverance beginning to blossom. Now, as an undergraduate scholar at the University of Pretoria, I hold this opportunity, a sign that I am BECOMING. And yes, I hope to someday occupy even bigger spaces. After all, the sky is not the limit, right?
Photo: Faith, standing 2nd right with fellow Design Thinking Project presenters (standing), and Project Judges (seated) at B2C 2024.
It all begins somewhere…
Well, like many EFAC Scholars, my journey started in high school. I was privileged to attend Loreto Limuru High School, a place that not only educated me but shaped me into the young woman I’m becoming. Thanks to EFAC, my secondary school years sailed by smoothly, full of growth, learning, and support.
After high school, we attended the EFAC Bridge-to-College Workshop, one of the most pivotal moments in my EFAC journey. It was at this workshop that I first learned about the Mastercard Program, and even got to meet representatives from different Mastercard partner organisations. Listening to them, my mind started to wander — dream, really. I could see myself flourishing in a land far from home. The idea of studying abroad became more than just a thought. It felt exciting. Possible. Real.
And just like that, the dream began to take shape.
When the application window opened, I got right to work. My first choice was Ashesi University in Ghana. I went through the entire process and even reached the final interview stage. I was confident. Hopeful. But then… September came and went. Nothing. That’s when I knew — I hadn’t made it. It was heartbreaking.
But rejection didn’t stop me. In fact, it lit a fire in me. I decided to aim higher. I set my eyes on the University of Pretoria — a prestigious institution with a very low acceptance rate. It felt like a long shot, but I went for it. I gathered my documents, wrote my essays, and submitted my application.
The wait felt like forever. Then, on 30th November 2024, the email landed in my inbox - I had been accepted.
I won’t even try to downplay it — this was one of the best days of my life.
Photo: Faith, standing 3rd from left with fellow Mastercard scholarship recipients at The University of Pretoria.
From Fear to Feeling at Home…
My biggest fear about leaving Kenya was whether I’d manage on my own in a different country, especially with no family on this side. But now, I laugh at those fears. They were just a normal phase of transitioning. These days, I’m coping like a native. I can even speak a few Zulu words… lol! Let’s take our first Zulu lesson, shall we? Chommie chommie😂 - This translates to a friend or buddy. Thank me later :)
Studying abroad has stretched how I see myself and the world. I interact with people from all walks of life — people with beliefs, cultures, and habits totally different from mine, yet fascinating to learn about. It’s made me more open-minded, and also reminded me to stay grounded.
Just the other day, I met someone who believes the Earth is flat. Knowing how seriously I took Geography in school, I simply laughed it off instead of arguing. That was wise, right?
A collection of experiences through EFAC prepared me for this leap. The community engagement program gave me a powerful recommendation letter that I believe made my application stand out. And the Transition Workshop? That was a game-changer.
I met Mastercard Foundation partners during that session, and one of those connections became a key part of my application journey.
Here’s my tip: whenever you attend such events, make sure you talk to at least one of the speakers. Even better — get their contact details. You never know where that connection might lead.
💬 A Word to fellow EFAC Scholars…
To my fellow EFAC scholars who dream of studying abroad: your dreams are valid. Believe in yourself. Learn the application process. Ask questions. And most importantly — start!
Apply to as many universities as you can. Increase your chances. And remember — rejection is part of the journey. Don’t let it break you. Let it raise your bar even higher.
Prepared with lots of love from South Africa, by Waithira