Maseno University Student Leader Receives A Prestigious Nomination For An Exchange Program In The USA

Ms. Diana Rakwach - Maseno University

Courtesy Of Maseno University

A 3rd year Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) Marketing Option student, Ms. Diana Rakwach has been nominated for the prestigious Study of the United States Institute (SUSI) on civic engagement. The program will commence this summer at the Miami University in Hamilton, Ohio from June 29th to August 3rd, 2013.

After a series of interviews conducted by the Dean of Students, Diana who is also a student leader representing Kisumu City Campus College as Director, Welfare and Sports in the Students Organization of Maseno University (S.O.M.U) emerged the overall best student thus winning the trip to the USA.

In laying a foundation to the program, the Institute’s coursework will cover three distinct areas: civic knowledge, civic skills and civic action. The students will be exposed to an in-depth study of the American political system aimed at introducing local, state and national government structures to build a picture of a functioning democracy. The sessions will also outline the tenets of citizenship and the role and responsibilities of the ‘American birthright’ and to examine the American Civil Rights Movement as a public leadership case study in which participants will learn about community organizing, the impact of citizen action and how democracy allows for social change.

The host University played a unique role in the American Civil Rights movement as a training site for Freedom Summer Volunteers. Two freedom movement scholars will give presentations on the historical significance of Freedom Summer training in Oxford, Ohio. Participants will have a walking tour of the training site and memorial and have interactive afternoon workshops to support the content of morning sessions and strengthen participant’s leadership skills within

the context of civic engagement. There will be a number of civic site visits and experiences that complement workshops and course work and the participants will also have time with community leaders and organizers, attend city council meetings, and visit a revitalized Cincinnati neighborhood, the Ohio State House besides meeting elected representatives and taking part in weekly community service experiences with one of the partner agencies.

After the academic and practical foundation, each participant will produce a Civic Action Plan on a comprehensive project that will provide a detailed outline of a public issue important to them and the subsequent applications of the civic skills needed to address the issue in the home country.

In addition to the academic residency at the Hamilton, Ohio campus of Miami University, participants will take part in a conference at Tufts University in Boston and visit Washington DC.

Diana is excited about the nomination and will utilize the opportunity to develop her leadership skills further. She is eyeing national leadership positions in Kenya and therefore the opportunity came the right time. This program is all expense paid for including visa processing, international air ticket and leaving expenses while on the program in the U.S.

Diana who has also been a leader from her early days in school stresses that her greatest motivation is to serve-a perfect vision for the study award candidate!

Top Performing Students - What They Do Different.

1. Self Discipline. Students who excel in examinations are always self disciplined. They have learnt that work comes before play and therefore do all their assignments on time and religiously adhere to the school rules and regulations. Their self discipline translates to respect for others and property. They treat their fellow students, teachers and members of the society the same way they expect to be treated.

 2. Focus and Willingness to be assisted. They do what is right, at the right time, in the right way and in the right place. They are always open and free with their teachers. They therefore readily ask for assistance amongst themselves and from teachers in areas of their weaknesses. They view their teachers as individuals who are out to help them be better persons and not strict authoritarians who are quick to punish them.

  

3. Passion for Learning. They are ever thirsty for more learning and have developed undying ability to read comprehensively, to write effectively and to speak fluently. They utilise their learning time effectively and gather as varied information as possible on different subjects or topics.

 4. Curious and able to Persevere. They always ask questions in class and go the extra mile to research on topics they are been taught. They are always inquisitive, work extra hard and never give up until their curiosity is satisfied.

 5. Responsible. They are always responsible and their teachers and parents can comfortably rely on them. Should they make any mistake, they are quick to report to teachers. They do not wait for teachers to investigate and find them on the wrong side.

 6. Strong Self Belief.  They have undeterred belief in their capability to perform well in any given examination. They also believe in their teachers, their parents and also in their society.

 7. Grateful and Prayerful.  They acknowledge the importance of prayer and gratitude.  They always appreciate everyone within and around their learning environment, and have trust and faith in their maker; God.