The Essence of Education: Academic Dedication and Student Determination Over Prestige

By Samuel Madul Anyiethgai

Growing up as a South Sudanese refugee from a refugee camp in a small village in Adjumani District in West Nile, Uganda, my dream was to pursue higher education after completing my advanced level in 2001 but unfortunately, I stayed home all year in 2002.

Later as luck would have it, I got a scholarship and received an acceptance letter from Kampala International University (KIU) to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management in 2003. I was overjoyed because this made me the first person in my family to attend university.

However, my excitement was soon overshadowed by the criticisms I heard about the university’s quality. Friends and family questioned my decision, suggesting I choose a more prestigious institution.

Despite the doubts, I decided to give KIU a chance. I arrived on campus with mixed feelings, determined to make the best of this situation. The initial months were challenging, with regrets as the negative comments about the university lingered in my mind, and I went to bed with fear that the university would be closed tomorrow.

In my first semester, my grades were excellent. This raised my spirit and hope. I continued my studies to reach my final year with excellence. I graduated with a First Class, a testament to my dedication and perseverance.

The criticisms that once haunted me were overshadowed by my academic achievements, which reflected the true value of KIU.

After graduating in 2006, my success continued, and I secured a prestigious position as a WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) Specialist with UNICEF, where I worked in Uganda, South Sudan, Bangladesh, Rwanda, and Ethiopia.

In this role, I significantly impacted needy communities, improving access to clean water and sanitation facilities.

My journey is a powerful reminder that the value of an education is not solely determined by the institution’s prestigiousness but by the efforts of the academic staff and the determination of the student.

My story has inspired many, proving that it is possible to overcome doubts and achieve greatness with the right mindset and support.

Samuel Madul Anyiethgai is a Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Specialist at UNICEF Ethiopia, based in Addis Ababa.