19 Years in Higher Education
As the month of April comes to a close, I find myself in a celebratory mood, marking 19 years of working within the higher education sector! Yes, nineteen years! Almost two full decades of growth, lessons, transformation, and service.
I began this journey in April 2006, right after my undergraduate graduation. I entered the sector wide-eyed, full of enthusiasm and curiosity, ready to teach and contribute. Over the years, I have evolved growing as a teacher, expanding my capacity as a researcher, earning further academic qualifications, and now, embracing the responsibilities of leadership within the higher education space.
It has been a long, enriching road, and as I reflect, feel proud of the journey I have walked and the experiences that have shaped me. Here are just a few lessons I picked up along the way:
- Growth Mindset is Everything
Whether it's adapting to new technologies, embracing new leadership roles, or adjusting teaching methods, growth requires intentional learning and openness. Every experience, every challenge, every new opportunity is a classroom in itself. You must be willing to pivot, learn, and evolve.
- Success is a journey, not a Destination
It is tempting to chase titles or end goals, but what I have come to understand is that every step counts. The victories, the mistakes, the transitions all contribute to the person you become. Be patient, trust the process, and never underestimate the power of slow, steady progress. It has taken me 19 years to get here and I’m still growing.
- Higher Education is Critical for National Development
Our universities and institutions are more than just centers of learning. They are incubators of innovation, leadership, and change. If Malawi is to move forward, the higher education sector must play a leading role in producing entrepreneurial, visionary, and solution-oriented graduates who will disrupt the status quo for the better.
I am as passionate as ever about higher education., still learning and growing. In the years to come, I look forward to taking on new challenges, contributing in broader ways, and deepening my impact within the sector. When I hit the 20-year milestone next year, I plan to share a more detailed reflection an outline of the journey and the work that has been done.
Here’s to 19 years of growth and to the road ahead.
#GrowthMindset #HigherEducation #LeadershipJourney #AcademicLife #CelebratingMilestones
