Hi Ruth! So, why did you choose to come to Keele University?

It is well-known for its high degree of student satisfaction – and that’s what I wanted.

Now you’re here, what do you like best about the university?

“I love the green, it’s really beautiful and peaceful – ideal for studying! Also the resources available here: the library is open 24 hours and the staff are very supportive. I feel very welcome in the community.

What have been the main challenges during your time here?

Coping with the weather! Plus when I came I didn’t know anyone at all… the first day was the most scary!

What do you do when you’re not studying?

I’m in the Keele East African society, which is about creating an awareness of what Africa, or East Africa, is about, and being open to different cultures – it’s not just East Africans who join the society, we’ve got members from everywhere. It’s about acknowledging different cultures and unity and diversity. We get together and do events together.

I swim a lot, it’s a really good way of relaxing myself. And I do like to have a party here with my friends!

How has your scholarship made a difference to you?

It’s made me have a bigger picture to life. This is an opportunity that has made me want, even more than before, to give back to society. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity, it’s made me want to get the best out of it and achieve the highest possible grade that I could ever achieve.

I know the sky’s the limit, and I can do everything in my power to get what I’ve always wanted to achieve. It was a really competitive scholarship, so I feel like there’s a reason why I had it, it’s not just for me, it’s for society back in Kenya.

If I hadn’t gotten the scholarship I wouldn’t be here [at Keele] – my life would have been totally different.

What do you plan to do after you leave Keele?

I might stay and gain some work experience, but ultimately I want to go back home and be useful! That’s what I want to do… ‘east or west home is best’ and I want to make a difference in my community first, that’s where I’ve grown up.

What advice would you give to a new student from Kenya, coming to Keele?

Be courageous ‘cause it’s really daunting…it’s stepping out of your comfort zone and trying to fit in to a different kind of culture and society altogether, you’ve got to be brave! Just go out there and be yourself, be the best you can and be strong. Use the support you have, find good friends who will be there for you when you’re feeling low, don’t battle things on your own, don’t feel alone because you’ve got a great family around you in Keele. You can go to your tutors and people like that, there’s always someone out there who might look out for you.

Finally, what words would you use to describe your Keele experience?

‘Eye-opening’, in the sense that it’s given me a bigger picture to life. With my clinical placements, with living alone in England, it’s made me a more responsible person, I’m more a leader for myself!