Alumni

"Hi everyone, my name is Sabira and most of you don’t know me but I did my Year 12 and 13 here at Braeburn, and walking in here this morning brought back so many wonderful memories, I saw the drivers and the chefs and my teachers, I smiled as they played such an important role in my life and unknowingly they are playing such an important role in your life.

 Some of my best years were in Braeburn, although I was here for 2 and a half years only. I mainly studied in Tanzania, and came here as a stepping stone to my university career.

 Guys, I was confused and afraid just like you maybe today. I didn’t know what career to take, but today, I have an Undergraduate in Social Science and my Masters is in Cognitive Neuroscience, and it all started here in Braeburn. It is a fantastic school with great teachers, and even greater support staff. It was here I first tried my hand in hockey, and I must admit I was horrible at it. I also tried to make friends as I was a new student and knew no one here. Well, in just a few months, I was not only chosen as the Head Girl but also initiated and spearheaded Interact Club of Braeburn Mombasa. From being a shy and reserved girl, my teachers at Braeburn propelled me to a world of speeches and meetings and interaction of both Heads of school and Rotary Club International. I was in a maze, and guys, I didn’t even know it. Well, to cut the story short, I finished my 2 and a half years in Braeburn and went off to Kent in England to pursue my studies in Social Science.

 Again, I didn’t know what I wanted to do until then, and whilst in university, while I was learning what my interests are and what was available for me, I completed my course, and then went for my Masters in Neuroscience where I helped patients who had neurological issues in their speech. I worked for one year with stroke patients, to teach them how to relearn speech. It is something that I enjoy doing and it is fulfilling. What needs to be said here is, I didn’t know this, but I was not afraid.

Here I am, facing yet other students whom I was so alike, and whom I’m speaking to and whom I want to give confidence. I want to tell you, don’t be afraid, don’t falter from volunteering from any opportunity you get, for you never know that’s where you will find your passion. Don’t be afraid to try and absolutely don’t be afraid of failure. It is your passion, your being unafraid, and your volunteering that will open up your mind and interest, to avenues that you can’t even think of right now.

I tell you this from experience, and I tell you it worked for me. Yesterday, I was invited to be a guest of honour at the Rotary Club International where I was a key speaker and was jumpstarted to be a Rotarian member before being a Rotaractor. As I’m standing before you, I still remember standing somewhere there, the shy girl, the unconfident girl, who today is in front of you all speaking. For this, I must thank my Braeburn teachers, my Braeburn peers, and most importantly my friends.

Lastly, let me tell you this, guys, chill, have fun, enjoy it, laugh!"

 Sabira Dewji