The saying “age is just a number” has been a longstanding adage, and it goes beyond mere numerical classification. It underscores the idea that our mindset and attitudes play a far more significant role in defining us. This is aptly exemplified by the life of Judith Akoth.
Born into a modest family, Judith faced hardships from an early age. At the tender age of 10, she tragically became an orphan and was taken in by her maternal grandparents. She lost her father at the age of seven and her mother at ten, leaving her with the challenging circumstances of being orphaned.
Despite these hardships, Judith’s academic brilliance shone through. She demonstrated her academic potential by ranking as the third-best student when she took the KCPE exam in 1998. However, her journey through high school was marked by financial difficulties, leading her to change from one day school to another. Despite these challenges, she persevered and managed to complete her KCSE in 2002 with a B-.
Just as her prospects were brightening, a devastating twist of fate occurred when her grandmother passed away due to diabetes. This tragic event forced her into an early marriage at the tender age of 18, primarily due to a lack of accommodation.
It was not until 2019 that Judith started to rebuild her academic confidence, thanks to a farmer who recognized her caregiving skills while she was looking after her sick aunt. Encouraged by this individual, she decided to pursue a career in nursing.
In March 2020, during the early days of the 2020 pandemic, Judith joined KMTC Siaya Campus. She faced opposition from her family but remained resolutely focused on pursuing her dream.
However, in January 2023, Judith faced another tremendous challenge. She suffered an ankle injury and received the heartbreaking news of her husband’s passing just two months before sitting for her final exams. It was a time when the world seemed to crumble around her, but Judith refused to be broken.
Now, at the age of 39, Judith eagerly anticipates her graduation from KMTC with a diploma. Her determination remains unwavering, and she aspires to continue her studies beyond this significant milestone.
Furthermore, Judith extends words of encouragement to other women, urging them to persevere in chasing their dreams, regardless of the challenges they might encounter. She emphasizes the importance of supporting and uplifting each other, rather than becoming obstacles in each other’s paths. Together, she believes that societal perceptions about Kenya Medical Training College can be reshaped by upholding moral values and doing what is right.
