Personal Story: A Journey of Dreams, Resilience, and Growth
Regina Njeri, an educator at Richey Elementary School in the Pasco County School District, is excited to share her story regarding her journey to the TPG Cultural Program. Her experience reflects her passion for education, cultural exchange, and the impact of diverse perspectives in the classroom.
When I received the notification that I had been recruited for an elementary teaching position in the USA, I was beyond ecstatic! It was a moment I had dreamt of for years, a dream that often felt like chasing the wind. But here it was—finally coming true. Breaking the news to my family was another unforgettable moment. Their reactions were a mix of shock and joy. They knew how determined I was to pursue an opportunity abroad, and now my persistence had paid off. My dream was no longer just mine; it was a shared victory.
Things moved quickly after that. Within two months, I resigned from my teaching job in Kenya, secured my visa, and booked my flight. The excitement was palpable. It was happening —I was about to embark on a journey to a new life in a different country, all by myself.
The night of my departure was emotional yet empowering. My twin sister, my brother, and close friends came to the airport to see me off. It was 11:30 p.m., and although everyone expected tears, I surprised them with a wide smile. I was far too excited to cry. This was my moment—my dream coming to life!
At 1:20 a.m. on July 21, 2024, my journey began. As the plane ascended into the sky, I looked out the window, feeling a mix of exhilaration and gratitude. After 27 hours of travel, I finally landed at Tampa International Airport, my final destination.
My first night in the USA was surreal. I stayed with an ambassador who, despite not knowing me, welcomed me warmly and made me feel at home. Their kindness gave me courage, but the days that followed were anything but easy.
I lost my appetite, and even the little I could eat often made me nauseous. Insomnia took over, and I felt overwhelmed by confusion. The induction process at work was intense, with new information bombarding me from every direction. My mind felt like it was shutting down, refusing to absorb anymore.
As schools reopened, I prepared to begin teaching with over a decade of experience behind me. But by the third day, I felt like a complete novice. The classroom dynamics were unlike anything I had encountered before. Students fighting in class, using inappropriate language, and openly defying instructions left me shell-shocked.
One particularly draining evening, as I escorted students to the bus loop, a school counselor, Ms. K, asked me a simple question: "How are you doing?" That question hit differently. I was exhausted, overwhelmed, and deeply emotional. I broke down in tears right there, admitting for the first time that I was not okay.
Ms. K assured me that I wasn’t the problem. She reminded me that adjusting to a new culture, system, and environment was bound to be challenging. Her words felt like a lifeline.
Fast forward to today, and while things are not perfect, they are better. I’ve made progress—slow but steady. I eat well, work out, and even enjoy being outdoors again. The nervousness still lingers every morning as I prepare for the unknown, but I’ve learned to find gratitude in small victories.
This journey has been nothing short of a whirlwind. It has tested me in ways I never imagined but has also taught me resilience. The challenges I’ve faced have become a part of my growth, and for that, I’m thankful.
This experience, though daunting, is one I’ll carry with me forever. It’s a story of courage, determination, and adaptation—and it’s only just beginning.
-Regina Njeri