"Mentoring is not about making people like you, but about helping them become the best version of themselves."
- David Stoddard
My name is Elizabeth Marian Muchoma. I was born and raised in Lusaka, Zambia, I’m the firstborn in a family of four children. My childhood was marked by challenges, particularly regarding my education. I faced financial difficulties that made it impossible for me to continue my education without external support. To continue my education, a consideration was made for me to be enrolled as an orphan in a community school that was specifically dedicated to educating orphaned and vulnerable children. I gladly accepted the offer due to the lack of a better option. Currently, I am a student pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Media and Journalism Studies at the University of Zambia (UNZA). I am skilled in social media management, and I hold certificates in psychosocial counselling, digital journalism, and personal growth training on personal branding.
Amidst my earnest desire for growth and personal development, I find myself being content and satisfied with every milestone I achieve. I always focus on what I can do today to improve myself, thus, making a positive impact on the lives of others and contributing to their success. I believe personal success is not just about oneself but also about contributing to the growth of other people. Finally, I prioritize building and maintaining meaningful relationships with my family, friends, and colleagues.
CAREER AND INTERESTS
I chose to read journalism to enhance my skills in critical thinking, research, news writing, and multimedia production. I believe this leads me to my goal of being an advocate for change and giving a voice to the voiceless. My long-term career goals are to become a communication expert, open my own media outlet, like a radio station, and work for the United Nations (UN) and UNICEF as a communications officer because they play a critical role in developing, and improving communities. Besides these, I also hope to own an orphanage in other to give back to my community. I want to make a positive difference with the help of people who have the same passion as mine to empower young people and promote positive change in the media sector. I am driven by a desire to see responsible media practitioners and informed youths. I believe that by advocating for media literacy, we can help young people develop critical thinking skills and make informed choices about the content they consume.
MENTORSHIP
I was fortunate to have a mentor in primary school, who instilled in me the value of education and the importance of living a balanced life. Later, I was mentored by a youth pastor at Bread of Life Church, who helped me develop critical values such as patience. After completing my counseling training at church, I also began mentoring individuals in the church. I count this a privilege because the results of the mentorship journey gave me a greater sense of accomplishment.
However, my mentorship journey took a significant turn in 2022 when I joined the Young Women Network called KUPES because the network’s principles and goals matched with mine. Later on, I was placed in the Motivated Leaders program where I covered three modules strategies for personal growth and development, workforce collaboration and development, and management strategies under YALINETWORK. Through these modules, I gained valuable insights into personal growth and I got to understand that my growth is my responsibility. I also learned how to effectively collaborate with others, develop strategies, and foster personal growth in all aspects of life.
Mentorship has been instrumental in my personal and professional growth, providing guidance, support, and valuable experiences. It has helped me develop a growth mindset, build confidence, and navigate challenges. Mentorship gave me a unique opportunity to learn from experienced individuals who shared their knowledge, provided guidance, and supported my personal and professional development. I am grateful for the mentors who have shaped my journey. I encourage everyone to seek out mentorship opportunities to accelerate their growth and success.
LEADERSHIP
My leadership journey began in primary school, where I was appointed as a monitress. This experience taught me how to handle different personalities and situations. However, I often shied away from leadership responsibilities, feeling unsure if I was fit for the role due to my introverted nature. Again, in secondary school, I was appointed as a prefect in charge of a grade 10 class. I also served as vice leader for Bible study in my community, and secretary for the youth community group, where I coordinated meetings and events. Currently, I serve as the district secretary for the youths at church and vice treasurer for the youth counseling ministry. Through these experiences, I have come to realize that leadership is not about titles or personal gain, but about serving others and making a positive impact in their lives.
As I progress in my leadership journey, I’m learning to embrace my strengths and weaknesses. Most importantly, I’m learning that true leadership is about serving others, and that by doing so, I can make a lasting impact in my community and beyond. My goal is to become a leader who inspires and empowers others.
I am grateful to be part of the EQUiP 2024, MeetMentors program which has been a life-changing experience. I have learned a lot, and one of the topics that still stands out for me is leadership. I’m passionate about leadership, and one of the key takeaways that still resonates with me is the importance of learning to lead oneself before leading others. Furthermore, the mentors and the EQUiP 2024 program have provided me with a valuable opportunity to connect with individuals from diverse countries and backgrounds. I am truly grateful for this experience, which has been a game-changer for me. Being part of EQUiP 2024 has had a profound impact on my life and personal growth, and I appreciate the chance to be a part of this mentorship.
About EQUiP
EQUiP is a talent and leadership focused training, designed to prepare young Africans to live intentionally and purposefully, while impacting the lives of others. EQUiP is organized and delivered by MeetMentors
very inspiring story
Inspiring 💯🤌🏾