Hello, my name is Angel Abigael Wanjira Ngugi. I am currently 21 years old. I am the first born of a family of four children and I would like to give a brief backstory of my life and studies. I started my education in a private school from class one to class six. Honestly, life was good, but suddenly everything changed when my dad was fired from his job when I was in class six. This meant that we had to move from our home and move into a small house. I was enrolled in a public school. Back then I was too young to understand what was going on. I honestly didn’t see any hope of continuing with my studies, and I can even recall that I even asked my mother if they were saving up for my high school fees because I didn’t see myself getting into high school. She said that all will be well and that I should trust God in everything. I did well in my studies, and I passed my KCPE (Kenya Certificate of Primary Education). After my exam, God came through for us and through some help from my relatives and well-wishers, I managed to go to high school and through the grace of God, I was able to complete my high school education.
After high school, that’s where my journey with Lakewood started. It so happened that Dr Felicia Green and other missionaries were coming to Kenya to visit. We were all so happy when we received the news. They were to hold a function at the Gathiga Children’s home for 3 days. Some of us there had a hard time understanding their deep American accent and Pastor Harun had to translate a bit for some of us. Nevertheless, we had a great time with all of them. They told us that Miss Tanya Haggins was to come with them, but her nephew had been involved in an accident and unfortunately passed on, and so she had to stay back. Dr Green told us that Miss Tanya had a University in America, and she wanted to give the Kenyan students a scholarship in her university. She told us that she would choose them from the people who had attended the event. I made a silent prayer, praying to God that my brother and I would be among the ones that would be chosen. When She included my brother and me in the programme together with our friends from the orphanage, I couldn’t believe it because I never even thought that I would have the opportunity to go to a Kenyan University, let alone an American one. My dad played a major role by encouraging us and working tirelessly day and night to ensure that we had everything that we wanted and needed. He told us that all will be well, and that God would come through for us and that God would come through for us and so when Miss Tanya Haggins gave out the scholarships, and we were selected, it was our answered prayer. I finally had hope that I would be able to continue with my studies and do Health care Administration, for it has been my passion to help people, and that I would help my parents and my younger sibling to have a better life.
My experience with Lakewood has been awesome and spectacular. I met great people and the staff and everyone in the Lakewood fraternity was welcoming. Madam Tanya Haggins, the school president, always encourages us and since the first time we got to have a zoom meeting with her, she was so welcoming, loving, jovial and she made us feel at home and gave us a warm welcome when we started our studies. She always reminds us that we can do what we want and that she is always there to support us every step of the way and to cheer us on. Dr Felicia Green always reminds us that we can move on to greater heights and that giving up is never an option. We must move forward and continue striving to get what we want in life. She has always been there for us in every step of the way. Alyssia Barraro, the Success coach, has played a big role in my academic journey by helping me with study plans that suit my daily routine and how I can follow them to ensure that I progress well and pass my exams. She always makes her plans available for us to have meetings to keep on giving us morale and for us to ask questions and help one another.
I really appreciate the opportunity that was given to me to further my studies. This is something huge for I didn’t have any hope but when I was allowed to study at Lakewood, my hope was restored. It is my humble request that the same opportunities were given to other people who have the desire to learn but are not able to pursue their dreams. I am looking forward to continuing with my studies and hopefully to get a chance to come to the States. May God bless you all.
