Sailing through Waves of Challenges to Become a Marine Engineer

By Mkonza Tamasha

They say life is an adventure, and mine took a thrilling turn when I decided to pursue my dream – Marine Engineering – at the prestigious Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) in Kenya. 

The idea of becoming a marine engineer dawned on me while I was in Standard Seven. I remember my elder cousin sharing her aspiration of becoming a ‘ship engineer’, and it was then that I first learned about this profession. I don’t recall having any other career aspirations before that moment.

This revelation gave me the impelling force to pursue something meaningful in life. From a tender age of 13, I had a clear sense of purpose that gave my life a deeper meaning. This propelled me to work even harder than before to pursue my dream.

From the moment I stepped into JKUAT, I sensed the magic of possibility waiting to be unleashed. As a female student in a traditionally male-dominated field, I welcomed the challenge with open arms, ready to conquer the waves of marine engineering.

Moreover, I chose to study engineering because I was confident in my abilities and excelled in Mathematics and Sciences. However, I was not prepared for the rigour and intensity of university life. I had been told that university was a breeze, but that was far from the truth. Besides, I was surprised by the reactions of my peers when I revealed my course of study. Some were impressed, while others were skeptical. I was excited to pursue Marine Engineering and was eager to make my mark.

When I told my father that I wanted to study Marine Engineering, he was overjoyed. He would introduce me to people, proudly saying his daughter was studying engineering. It was a bit embarrassing, but now that I have finished after five years of hard work, proud. Even though it was hard work, it is worth talking about whenever I get the chance. 

Growing up with parents who were both teachers was a mixed blessing. On the one hand, I was constantly pushed to succeed and never settle for mediocrity. On the other, I lived in constant fear of failure and the consequences that came with it. Being a top student was expected, and anything less was unacceptable. I always felt that I needed to prove myself and earn my parents approval. My father was particularly strict, and I didn’t want to disappoint him. Despite the pressure, I learned the value of hard work and the satisfaction that comes with success. I aimed higher and did better, knowing that my efforts would be rewarded. Looking back, I realise that my upbringing played a significant role in shaping whom I am today.

Marine Engineering was like a big ocean of information. It was not just about understanding machines or solving hard problems, but also about learning a lot about the maritime world. Ship design, power systems, propulsion, and naval architecture were all things I got really interested in.  Instead of feeling scared, I jumped into workshops, listened to interesting talks, and talked with other people. I was always curious and excited to learn, and I realised that learning was like going on an adventure where I could use what I learned in the real world.

My learning process in campus was demanding. Some lecturers did not appreciate my unmatched skills, but I learned to rise above it and excel anyway. However, my excitement was short-lived, and I found myself struggling in my second semester of Year Two. My classmates were all brilliant, and everyone was eager to showcase their potential. I was no exception, but I felt like an imposter, plagued by self-doubt and insecurities. I’m so grateful for all the group discussions I had with my classmates. They helped me learn how to work as part of a team, communicate, and always keep learning. I am especially grateful to my project partner, who helped me through the toughest parts of my final year. I never thought be a group discussion fanatic, but engineering taught me how important it is to work together and always keep growing. Looking back, I am so glad I had such a special set of friends to make life easier. It’s like we were all in this together, and I would not have wanted it any other way.

Field trips and industrial attachments were some of the most exciting parts of my journey. It was amazing to see how Marine Engineering works in practice, whether we were visiting shipyards or conducting maintenance operations. These experiences solidified my passion and affirmed my career choice. I was lucky enough to intern with some top-notch maritime organisations, where I learned from experienced professionals who mentored and guided me on this exciting path.

Working hands-on in engine rooms and control centres gave me a unique perspective of the inner workings of maritime machinery. I loved contributing to ongoing projects, troubleshooting technical issues, and really getting immersed in the world of Marine Engineering. 

I wrapped up my internship with the Kenya Navy and I can wait to see what other opportunities come my way in my career. Even though I still have a few months before graduation, already looking forward to walking across the stage in December. It has been a wild ride so far, but grateful for all the skills and experiences I have gained along the way. excited to see what the
future holds!