By: Njuhi Chenge, Kenya

My name is Njuhi Chege and I come from Nairobi, Kenya. I’m in my final year of the Masters in Peace Studies Program at The Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies. I chose Notre Dame because the program allows for a six month international field experience, which I fulfilled in Palestine-Israel.

In my travels around the world, I have discovered a misconception that is shared by quite a lot of people, about Kenya. Firstly, that it is riddled by poverty and hunger. Secondly, that wildlife is the only attraction. So I took it in my stride and have taken it upon myself to expand the narrative about Kenya and its “not so talked about aspects.” This includes the amazing people who consist of over forty-two rich cultures, a vast array of foods, a thriving economy and also the fact that an average Kenyan speaks over three of the 62 languages in Kenya, mainly, their tribal language, Kiswahili and English!

My biggest challenge has been adjusting to life in the USA without the immediate comforts of family and lifelong friends. Leaving my family was one of the hardest choices I have had to make. Adjusting to new surroundings and different culture were the main challenges.

However, it wasn’t long before I built new relationships with students in my program who have become a close knit family of diverse individuals who are all striving to make a lasting impact on humanity and who occasionally host incredibly popular parties dubbed, The Peace Parties.