MY LIFE IN CAMPUS

When I started the college selection process, I wasn't entirely clear of the kind of institution I desired. In high school, I was a little naive; I had no idea how the kind of institution you choose can fully determine the kind of learning you will have and the kind of community you will join.

I knew when I went to Technical University of Mombasa that I had at last discovered the right kind of institution for me. Though it seems tiresome, the ongoing discussion of the advantages of small vs large institutions is crucial. For me, becoming aware of the distinction improved my understanding of who I am. I discovered that I preferred small schools. I was curious about my instructors. I desired a sense of kinship with my school.

At Technical University of Mombasa, your lecturers not only know your name but also your nationality, major, and how frequently they take the time to get to know you as a person. I have visited professors for regular visits and we would talk only about our personal life for one hour. The TUM professors are concerned. There is no disconnect; despite their studies and high intellectual goals, they never seem to lose sight of their humanity. One of the most significant components of my experience at TUM thus far has been developing relationships with my teachers.

How strong and connected our community is is another aspect of living at TUM that I like a lot. With only 15,000 pupils, it is simple to see how everyone can participate. That, however, says nothing about the breadth of our community.

Even though I am actively involved in numerous groups, such as Drama Club and the women's basketball team, I don't simply go to activities that I am a part of. All organizations, whether I know somebody there or not, extend a warm invitation to attend their events.

I have attended senior research presentations, concerts, and guest lectures. I have also frequently watched drama groups perform on the stage steps. I have also attended amazing celebrations like Cultural Day, Freshas Night, and my favorite, Script Writing, where I once wrote a script. Regardless of the season, there is always activity on our campus that brings people together.

Our president, who is also a campus celebrity, is another aspect of TUM that is always fascinating. A more current school president has never come to my attention. It frequently seems as though the president of a school symbolizes its administrative structure, exists primarily to please funders and the board of trustees, and rarely engages with students. Regarding Dr. Lutsili, nothing could be further from the truth. He's always there, it seems. I frequently receive Snapchats from pals with images of him throughout campus with the comment "spotted"

He was a huge selling point for my parents, they heard him speak in Campus Hall on campus and couldn't stop gushing about how passionate he was about the school. She also mentioned that after her talk she went to the girls basketball game, which is where my parents went to watch me play, so it definitely helped build her fan base. I have a feeling that everyone here has a Dr. Lutsili history has. He is so happy and willing to talk to all of us.It seems he just wants to know how we are doing.As with my fellow student, Psalter's photos can attest to how beautiful the campus is. We experienced both years here at Tudor, Mombasa. Watching the leaves change is spectacular.

Spring seems to be invading our campus world. The daffodils and trees seem to be blooming overnight, and it's getting quite hot towards the end of April. In the past week alone, he has one outside class, hanging out with his friends, and doing homework almost every day, but his famous TUM deer are everywhere all year long.

I've made incredible friends here on the coast. Our tight-knit community is even stronger because we are 100 percent resident. Every two years we live together, all my friends are within walking distance. Whether I'm walking down the hall to visit a friend of mine, or heading to the senior living quarters so they can make me a full waffle breakfast, I'm surrounded by wonderful people who all call TUM home.

I absolutely love this school. TUM has given me so many incredible opportunities. I'm going to Homabay next semester to study Sign Language Journalism and can't be more excited. I will be sad to leave Mombasa but I know that when I return there will be waiting for me, the very same campus that changed my life.