While touring Nairobi, I made a sentimental stop at my alma mater — United States International University-Africa (USIU-A). I studied there between 2003 and 2006 and returned briefly in 2013 to tie up some unfinished business. A decade later, in 2023, I found myself walking through the gates once more — this time as a visitor, not a student.
There’s something profoundly nostalgic about returning to a place where you created lasting memories. Every corner seemed to whisper stories from another time — of friendships forged over shared ambitions, late-night study sessions, and dreams that first took shape within those walls. Yet, the campus had grown impressively. It had nearly doubled in size, with sleek new buildings, modern lecture halls, and state-of-the-art sports facilities. The transformation was remarkable, a visual testament to the university’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of learners.
As a member of the alumni association, I enjoyed easy access to all parts of the campus. I wandered down familiar paths, exchanging greetings with long-serving staff members whose smiles sparked waves of nostalgia. I paused outside classrooms where I once sat, now updated with modern technology, and admired the new spaces that have given the campus a fresh, vibrant energy. Each step was a delicate balance between the memories of the past and the promise of the future.
Beyond reminiscing, my visit had purpose. I conducted a book club session with a small group of students, part of Afrika Nzuri’s Turning Pages initiative, which aims to cultivate a reading culture while promoting tourism across Africa. Sitting with these young minds, I was struck by their curiosity and insights — a refreshing reminder that the passion for learning transcends time. Their perspectives on reading, exploration, and Africa’s potential filled me with hope for the generations to come.
Walking the campus that day, I felt a deep sense of connection. USIU-Africa was more than just a place I once studied — it was the place that opened my mind and challenged me to ask why, the place that instilled curiosity in me and equipped me with the tools to explore, question, and pursue my dreams. Though the campus had grown and changed, its spirit remained the same: a home for discovery, imagination, and endless possibilities.