 |
| Engineer Michelle Boit |
When she recently visited our Nandi News offices, several things stood out about Michelle. Top on the list was her infectious smile and the elegance she exudes.
Born and raised in Tulwet, Uasin Gishu county, Engineer Boit has had quite an interesting experience. Her late father was a lecturer at the nearby Moi University where her mom also worked as an administrator to date. For those who don't know where Tulwet is, it is a village near the Moi University Main campus.
READ ALSO: MY STORY: From milk man to pilot. The story of Captain Kemboi Kiplagat
She did most of her early schooling in Uasin Gishu, before joining Kapnyeberai Secondary school which is in the neighboring Nandi County.
Despite being so good in her education, she could not crack the KCSE exams as she had expected. "I don't know what happened, I got a B though I had expected an A." She said.
This therefore meant that she couldn't join university through the Joint Admissions Board to pursue her dream course in Chemical Engineering.
Her other option was to join Strathmore University for an accounting course or Egerton University to pursue a degree in Agriculture which she wasn't passionate about.
She opted for the Strathmore way.
"I wasn't into agriculture, therefore opted to pursue a course in accounting at Strathmore University."
MOVING TO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
When she sat for her interview at the Strathmore school, she was among the top students, flooring her peers from well known National schools. She qualified to join the institution.
 |
| Engineer Michelle in her work outfit |
However, her late dad saw that she was not as passionate as she had been in engineering. He came up with an idea that she move out of the country to the US where her uncle Alex Boit was based.
"I opted to move to the US to pursue Chemical Engineering. I am grateful for my uncle Alex Boit for teaching me how to survive in the foreign land," Said Michelle.
READ ALSO: My Story: Meet Paul Victor, Founder, Wezesha Youth Initiative
LIFE IN THE U.S
"The shock that awaited me was quite something. I remember encountering a scientific calculator for the first time while in a calculus class. I was used to the traditional logbooks that we used to solve complex mathematics while back in Kenya!" Said Michelle amid laughter.
"It was a setback for me as I had to enrol for extra classes to fully understand how to use the calculator and certain computer softwares that were being used to solve complex mathematical problems." she added.
Soon enough, the young Michelle from Tulwet was able to cope with her new found home. She had to work to fund her studies.
"I would go to class from 8am to 12 noon, then work from 2pm to midnight." she stated.
 |
| A screen grab of the interview with Engineer Michelle Boit |
GIRLS IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
According to Michelle, there are fewer women in science and technology due to the complexities of life. She stated that when in school, more and more people were dropping out of the chemical engineering program due to its demanding nature.
"For almost a year I could only sleep for only three hours a day. You can imagine the pressure. It doesn't get any easier even out there in the field especially for family women. Juggling between family and work is draining." Said Michelle
READ ALSO: The Hustle; Meet Chebet Mutwol, a teacher reaping big from the art world
She was however optimistic that more women would be joining the engineering world. "I am passionate about science and will continue advocating for more women to join us." she stated.
MICHELLE BOIT FOUNDATION
Michelle Boit Foundation was conceived in 2014 when the Engineer relocated back to Kenya from the U.S. The foundation mainly focuses on empowering and mentoring the youth and linking them to opportunities.
She said that she was concerned over the inadequacies of mentors in Kenya.
"While in the U.S I was assigned three mentors to guide me through various aspects of my engineering career. When I came back into the country, this wasn't happening. I had to find my own footing over time." She said.
It is on this premise that she decided to go back to Kapnyeberai High School and talk to the young girls on various issues as a mentor. Out of this, her mentorship program was born.
She would later spend some of her weekends moving from school to school, speaking to the young learners on various issues including education.
READ ALSO: My Hustle; Victor Biwott, From Kapsabet to the world of Aviation
According to Michelle, her mentorship program is divided into three levels.
The first level focuses on young high school students. They are mentored on career choices, drugs and other matters.
The second level focuses on college students. In this regard, the students are mentored on soft skills including CV writing, interview approaches among other vital skills.
The last level focuses on young career people. This she says is important in ensuring that the younger generations are well prepared as they start their journey in the corporate world.
The Engineer also disclosed that she was currently sponsoring a number of students drawn from different parts of the country. This she said she finances from her own income.
'WHITE HOUSE'
"I built my mom a retirement home nicknamed the white house. I won't talk about the price tag, the figures being fronted are a creation of the media." She said while laughing.
Michelle said that the choice of white was as a result of her mom who has always been extra clean, to an extent that she was nicknamed 'mama safi.'
"My mom is so clean that we nicknamed her mama Safi."
HER CHALLENGES
Michelle stated that she had worked in various states in the US including Texas and New Mexico and was given enough space and opportunity to grow. However, when she relocated back to Kenya, this wasn't the case.
"I felt as though my voice was being ignored." Said Michelle.
She attributed the same to the African culture which has not yet accepted women in such leadership roles.
PARTING SHOT
Michelle before signing off disclosed that she had always wanted to join the Airforce and become a pilot. She further revealed that she would sign up to become a pilot in future.
She had some words of advise to the young people.
" It's really good to identify what you're good at and integrate it with passion. This will make your life easier." she stated.
"It is also good to seek mentors." She added as she signed off.
0 Comments