Rose Akullo still harbors that bittersweet moment she had at the eve of her convocation seven years ago.

“On one hand I was saying goodbye to fellow students, faculty and staff who had become a part of my life. That wasn't easy. On the other hand the excitement of successfully completing your course and going back to your country and family makes you happy"

The Master of Education graduate from AKU's Institute for Educational Development (IED) in Tanzania remembers her convocation as being a time that's both an ending and a new beginning.  

“I was anxious, thinking about the possibilities that came with my degree: a better job and salary grade and exposure and the event itself. I was looking forward to celebrating with my family and friends. You can't forget such an exciting moment that easily"

Rose, who is the principal of St. Mary's Primary School in Mbale, Uganda does not hide the fact that she misses her campus days.

“The simplicity displayed by the faculty can't go unnoticed. They made us feel like colleagues and students at the same time and this made the campus atmosphere. Teamwork was the order of the day, whether on academic endeavours or professional engagements."

That, in addition to collaborating with fellow students especially when it came to meeting deadlines made life at IED conducive for her.

“Our daily activities were punctuated with fun and humour from both students and faculty"

Rose attributes her result-driven attitude and ability to do things differently to her years at AKU and the seasoned faculty. One thing that she was able to improve on was her presentation skills, which have created more opportunities for her, and earned her a leadership recommendation from a national supervisor. She adds that the research and presentation skills she learned at IED enables her to handle workshops, classroom discourses and managerial leadership undertakings at work.

If she had a bouquet of flowers, Rose would hand it to IED faculty Mary Oluga.

“Her creativity, teaching methods and creativity are a reflection of who I am today."

And what advice would she give her first-year self?

“Embrace collaboration, problem solving, critical thinking and digital literacy. These are important in this dynamic world. Don't just work hard, think smartly as well and above all be self-driven"

Rose has a few words of advice for this year's graduating class. 

“Apply the knowledge from your years at AKU and establish a legacy at your workplace by leaving it better than you found it. Be the 21st century teacher that enriches their classroom delivery through creativity and be an ambassador of AKU."