Hard work can be rewarding – and in different ways!
Dr Annelisa Murangi completed her schooling in Okahandja, her hometown, before applying to the University of Namibia for further studies. She wanted to pursue a career in nursing, (un)fortunately, she was accepted for her second choice – psychology.Thereafter she completed her Bachelor of Arts degree (Industrial Psychology) before completing her MCom in Industrial Psychology through the University of Stellenbosch in South Africa.
“Not knowing what to do next and given the high unemployment rate in Namibia, I started working as a tutor in the Department of Human Sciences, offering tutorials to clinical and industrial psychology students. By default, I think academia chose me,” Murangi says.
Apart from being a dedicated wife and mother of two young children, working hard in the department and trying to progress in her career, she decided to pursue her PhD in 2020 through the North-West University in South Africa immediately after graduating with her MComm. “I set different goals for myself in the different areas of life and made plans to execute them.”
During her PhD studies, she says she often wanted to quit, thinking that she could do her PhD later once her children were grown.
“Studying developmental psychology and knowing how critical the early years of childhood development are, I questioned my decision to continue with my PhD. But with the continuous support of my husband, family, colleagues in the department and PhD promoter, I managed to complete my PhD in less than two years.”
Murangi’s thesis investigated the optimal functioning of special education teachers in Namibia: the effects of constraints, resources and capabilities.
Journey
“Apart from the joy and sense of accomplishment experienced at graduation, the support received from my family truly stood out on this journey,” Murangi says. “My journey taught me about self-leadership, perseverance, commitment and dedication.
“I hope to be promoted through the ranks to a full professor, to contribute to Namibia through research and education, and to make an impact in the field of Industrial Psychology. The aim is to become involved in national and international research with collaborators around the globe. The impact and importance of research cannot be overemphasised,” Murangi says
Towards the end of March 2023, Murangi was recognised as an extraordinary research associate by North-West University. This is a significant and deserving recognition after publishing three articles from her PhD in a single year. This is not easily managed by many postgraduate students or full-time academics.
“It is satisfying to be recognised and appreciated for all the hard work and the contributions made to the discipline,” Murangi says. “The time it takes to complete a course should not be the primary focus. Some people complete their goals in five years, others in three. But when you finish (because you can finish), it’s your journey of growth and discovery.
“I wish to encourage fellow staff members and students to establish where they come from, where they would like to go and set plans that will ensure they meet those goals. There are so many role models within academia. It may be difficult, you may become frustrated, but stay true to yourself and your dreams,” Murangi concludes.
*This report was originally published on https://forumonline.unam.edu.na/