Self-Confidence

We all carry treasures in fragile containers.

Have you ever confidently done something and expected that someone who matters to you will affirm you? How did it go? How did that affect you?

Let me share two experiences that made a tremendous impact in my life. My early formative years I grew up in the country-side. Enrolled in a school where we were taught in the native language. Your guess is right! My inflection was affected. In my native language, we omit letter H where it’s supposed to be and of course insert it where it’s not supposed to be-my name betrays me! Long story short, in class six I changed school from country-side to the capital city. I was so excited. My day one in my new school was traumatizing. I was asked to introduce myself in class and because usually I am bubbly. I did my thing confidently but noted my classmates were giggling. I didn’t give a care. So during our Swahili lesson, I offered to read a passage in class... I pronounced a certain word badly and all the class was Rolling-On-The-Floor –with-Laughter (ROTFL) blame it on the mother-tongue effects! That killed my confidence and I never made any attempt to answer questions or read passages in class. My esteem went down because everyday my class-mates teased me. I became extremely shy (yea, for those who have always known me as a bubbly parrot, I once was a very shy girl). On the positive side, I worked hard to ensure that my inflection and nuance was perfect. Today I must say that my twang is good, but do I say! I’m confident whenever I have an audience to do my public speech.

The other story that changed my story for good... after I cleared high school, I enrolled for a certificate course “HIV/AIDS Training and Counselling” with Kenya Youth and Orphans Empowerment Program (KYOEP). After I successfully completed the course, I was posted in 3 training centres-Madaraka, Kahawa-West and Wangige as a Trainer and Counsellor. It’s at Wangige Training Centre where my public speaking skills and teaching abilities were commended. My oldest student was a 72year old man and this man gave me the greatest single gift-self-confidence. He said, “Young girl, you are gifted. You are a great teacher. Your nuance is perfect. Your pronunciation so clear. You will go far....” The confidence gave me the courage to be who I am today. I have had opportunities to speak to big and small audiences-tens, hundreds and thousands of people.

One of my favourite bible memory verses was Jeremiah 1:5 and 2 Timothy 1:7. I always told myself that I am God’s spokesperson to nations and that God has not given me a spirit of fear. I memorized these verses each day and looking back, what shall I say! Today, more than enough times I have been called to speak in different forums and I have been paid handsomely. I have taught God’s word in Schools, Universities and Colleges and in Churches. I carry a treasure in a fragile container. I can’t thank God enough for the gift of self-confidence.

That selfconfident girl,

Kachel