The decision to leave Kenya, my motherland, was colossal. In 2006, I left everything I ever knew behind including family and friends to pursue a career in New York City. My vivacious grandmother, whom I am named after, found it implausible that a girl child would want to go so far away from home where she couldn't have the protection of her brothers. My mother was terrified of inevitable challenges I would face in the new world of the West all by myself. But Alas! my heart was set.

Thrown into immediate weather shock of plunging temperatures at Heathrow airport, I mustered every ounce of courage to defy obstacles on my way. Despite flight delays and terrible weather, I made it to New York on a freezing December night. I felt so unworldy and naive standing on the busy streets of this huge fast city. It was truly the case of a fish out of water. The cultural and food shock was next. Everything was completely different and I dived into it whole heartedly learning a lot and fast.

Being an actress from Nairobi, I have had my fair share of struggles, rejections and triumphs.  My African accent - something that might have been seen as an obstacle -  tremendously helped penetrate the saturated world of the arts in the US. I now feel like my feet are on the ground and, for me, there's no where to go but ahead. This experience has given way to a world of potential . Yes I have some regrets but daring to venture into a new world will never make that list. I have grown as a person and more so as a woman. My appreciation for other cultures and ways of life has never been more immense. And lest you wonder, calling my grandmother daily at her coffee fields in the Kenyan highlands has facilitated with her coming to terms with her reincarnation being so far away from home. Kenya is my home and I have every intention of returning eventually after what I set out to do is accomplished.

It's incredible how much courage and determination couple with a little help from someone who cares goes a long way in reaching the so-called unreachable. I hope this short piece encourages you to keep pushing for that which you truly want for yourself....that which truly makes you happy! As grandma said to me a million times before, "You only lose when you stop trying." Good luck and thanks for stopping by.

One love,