Sharonne Babu has long envisioned a career in nursing focused on patient care. Her first degree was in Clothing Textiles and Interior Design, and she briefly became an entrepreneur, but her true passion was nursing.
Sharonne applied to AKU in 2023, and after a rigorous selection process, she was accepted into the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Direct-Entry programme in Nairobi. She was excited, but with a two-month-old baby at the time, Sharonne wasn’t sure if she would start the programme. She took the leap and has now completed her first year.
“The day I received my admissions letter to join AKU was pure ecstasy. Orientation week is a blur of excitement and anticipation. We were all starry-eyed about what the future held. I expected to learn new things and meet new people. I hoped it would be a breeze, boy, was I wrong! Nursing is no walk in the park. It's a lot tougher than I imagined.
One thing that’s kept me going is the incredible support from the faculty. They listen, they understand, and they're incredibly flexible. I faced a huge challenge during my third semester when my baby was hospitalized during exam week. The faculty were empathetic. They were understanding and accommodating. I’d be admitted at the hospital with my baby, wake up, come to campus to take an exam, then go back. I couldn't have done it without their support.
Then there's the financial side of things. Initially, I thought I could manage the costs on my own. I didn't apply for a scholarship. But things got tough. I approached some faculty members for help. They didn’t make any promises, but they assured me they'd look into it. I didn’t expect anything to happen quickly, but they worked magic! I was awarded a full scholarship!
Looking back, I’ve grown in leaps and bounds. If I could do it all again, I wouldn't change a thing. I believe everything happens for a reason. And I think everything is happening exactly as it should be. I'm excited about the future. I'm looking forward to less curveballs so I can focus better. My advice to nursing students starting their journey? Everything you want is on the other side of fear. Especially as a mother.”
Sharonne Babu has long envisioned a career in nursing focused on patient care. Her first degree was in Clothing Textiles and Interior Design, and she briefly became an entrepreneur, but her true passion was nursing.
Sharonne applied to AKU in 2023, and after a rigorous selection process, she was accepted into the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Direct-Entry programme in Nairobi. She was excited, but with a two-month-old baby at the time, Sharonne wasn’t sure if she would start the programme. She took the leap and has now completed her first year.
“The day I received my admissions letter to join AKU was pure ecstasy. Orientation week is a blur of excitement and anticipation. We were all starry-eyed about what the future held. I expected to learn new things and meet new people. I hoped it would be a breeze, boy, was I wrong! Nursing is no walk in the park. It's a lot tougher than I imagined.
One thing that’s kept me going is the incredible support from the faculty. They listen, they understand, and they're incredibly flexible. I faced a huge challenge during my third semester when my baby was hospitalized during exam week. The faculty were empathetic. They were understanding and accommodating. I’d be admitted at the hospital with my baby, wake up, come to campus to take an exam, then go back. I couldn't have done it without their support.
Then there's the financial side of things. Initially, I thought I could manage the costs on my own. I didn't apply for a scholarship. But things got tough. I approached some faculty members for help. They didn’t make any promises, but they assured me they'd look into it. I didn’t expect anything to happen quickly, but they worked magic! I was awarded a full scholarship!
Looking back, I’ve grown in leaps and bounds. If I could do it all again, I wouldn't change a thing. I believe everything happens for a reason. And I think everything is happening exactly as it should be. I'm excited about the future. I'm looking forward to less curveballs so I can focus better. My advice to nursing students starting their journey? Everything you want is on the other side of fear. Especially as a mother.”
