I feared joining university because I had no hands

Stacey Sang’s life turned upside down after she was involved in a road accident on July 29, 2011 along Meru-Nanyuki Highway.

The accident occurred during a Loreto Convent Msongari School’s educational trip — two fellow pupils died and scores critically injured.

Stacey, then 11 years old and in standard seven, lost both her arms. Seven years later, after struggling with disability and trauma, she shared how it nearly made her end her desires of further education.

Stacey now pursuing degree in Financial Economics at Strathmore University, revealed she was afraid of joining university — and it took support from staff and lecturers to overcome her fears.

“At first I thought it would be scary going into university, but lecturers were very accommodating. It was hard at first to make friends. When I needed extra time because I can’t write as fast as everyone else, but now I have many friends. Strathmore has been supportive,” she said when the university marked International Day of Disabled Persons.

Stacey who excelled in her class in Msongari even after the accident — and with prosthetic hands graduated top of her Diploma in Business Management class in November this year with Grade Point Average score of 3.95 points.

She says; “I consulted my lecturers a lot — and had a lot of group discussions. What helped me overcome the experience of being disabled was that my parents and siblings support me. As well as my friends. I pray a lot.”

She still maintains her Primary school tradition of waking up at 4am to read before proceeding to school. She aspires to work for McKinsey and Company, an international consulting firm.

“It was hard to learn to write, undergoing physiotherapy and counselling. But this situation taught me not to concentrate on the negative no matter the situation. Be optimistic. Before I wasn’t an open person, but after the accident I had to open up. Like when I need someone to help me write, to pack my bag. I had to open up and talk to more people” says Stacey.

— Partially transcribed from a video clip posted by Strathmore University.