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During my recent trip to Nairobi, Kenya to conduct Breast Cancer Care at Kenyatta National Hospital in Kenya, I got an opportunity to sit down and chat with Dr. Anne Bernice Wanyama, a seasoned Pharmacist who is also a dedicated parent and adult learner. She invited me to share a meal with her while we discussed about how she manages to find the right balance while pursuing graduate education in Kenya. This is her story...
MDC@NU: Please introduce yourself to the readers
My name is Anne Bernice Wanyama. I am a pharmacist by profession and I am currently practicing in a Tertiary hospital in Nairobi, Kenya. I am a mother of an 11 year old boy and I am also pursuing a Master in Business Administration (MBA)-Strategy. I attend my classes in the evenings.
MDC@NU: How do you motivate yourself to complete a goal?
I first assess the workload that I have by listing down all the tasks that I need to perform. I rank them in order of priority and attach timelines. I check off every accomplished task. Whenever I look at the list, I encourage myself to ensure all items are struck off my list, which works for me.
MDC@NU: What are the current responsibilities and obligations in your life?
Parenting-Raising my son as a single parent
Career-I am a pharmacy operations manager. I have to ensure smooth operations in my department, respond to customer complaints, redesign processes and formulate policies to ensure smooth operations and increased customer satisfaction
Church-I am part of the leadership team in the ladies fellowship in my local church
Church service-I am a worship leader in a local church
Education-I am currently pursuing a Master in Business Administration (MBA)-Strategy. I am in my final coursework semester before I embark on my research project
MDC@NU: How do you relax and take time for yourself?
I love listening to music, motivational talks, cooking, swimming and going for nature walks.
MDC@NU: What organizational system do you generally use to accomplish your goals?
SMART Goal Setting-I first consider what I want to achieve, and then commit to it. Set SMART (specific, measureable, attainable, relevant and time-bound) goals that motivate me and write them down to make them feel tangible. I then plan the steps I must take to realize my goals, and cross off each one as I work through them. A work planner really helps me a lot to manage my documentation as I seek to accomplish my goals.
MDC@NU: How do you achieve your educational goals?
I have discovered that designing a study timetable and committing to it helps me achieve my educational goals.
MDC@NU: How can keeping an up-to-date calendar benefit you while you’re in school?
It helps me manage my time wisely and address unaccomplished tasks. With better time management, I am able to do my school assignments in good time.
MDC@NU: What challenges do you anticipate in learning to manage work, school, family responsibilities, and a social life?
Striking a balance to ensure one aspect does not override the others.
MDC@NU: Any words of advice you may have for our readers who are trying to decide whether to return to school as adult learners?
I encourage anyone considering returning to school as an adult learner to do so. The benefits are numerous and are as follows:
Creates an opportunity to take up challenges that you would have otherwise not taken
Offers networking opportunities with the other students in various fields
Offers opportunity for promotions and career advancement
