Eunice Kariuki has returned to the Aga Khan University as a clinical instructor, just a few months after earning her Master of Advanced Practice Nursing (Msc APN) degree. Her journey from student to clinical instructor at the School of Nursing and Midwifery, East Africa (SONAM EA), provides a full circle perspective on the University’s educational approach.
When Eunice first joined AKU in 2022, she found herself in an environment of high expectations balanced with exceptional support. For her, (SONAM EA) was designed to mould students into rigorous, critical thinkers. She observed that faculty members were invested in student growth and peers collaborated to achieve academic success.
An early setback occurred during her first semester when she did not achieve the GPA she had hoped for. Rather than becoming a lingering disappointment, this moment led to a significant turning point. Her faculty student advisor reached out with encouragement and practical strategies for improvement, a form of support that taught her the value of resilience and seeking help. This new approach led to her strongest academic performance in the subsequent semester.
Her time at AKU was also shaped by access to exceptional resources, research supervision, and the collaborative spirit of her peers. Faculty mentorship built her confidence, while her research training gave her the discipline and skills she carries into her career today.
After graduating in February 2025, Eunice’s experience at AKU drew her back. “My decision to return was rooted in the very reason AKU stands out: its deep investment in people,” she explains. She felt compelled to give back and contribute to shaping the next generation of professionals.
Transitioning from student to colleague was initially surreal, but the warm welcome from her former instructors made the shift seamless. Today, Eunice connects with students by drawing on her experience. She understands the pressures and challenges they face because she once walked the same path.
As a clinical instructor, she is focused on creating the right environment where students can thrive. “What excites me most is the chance to mentor students the way my teachers mentored me,” she says, with a particular focus on equipping them with practical skills for their future careers.
Her advice to new students at SONAM EA is simple: trust the process, ask questions, embrace mistakes, and make full use of the available resources.
