Letter to a future chemist turned artist-entrepreneur. A letter from Fridah Kamau.
Frida Kamau received her B.Sc. in chemistry, and is now applying her scientific training to creating pottery, and her problem solving skills to the two pottery studios that she founded. You can read more about her journey to combine science and art here.
Dear 6 -year-old Fridah,
This letter is placed outside in the recent tree house built by the boys because you never spend time in the house, but out and about with the boys, despite the boys constantly asking you to go back to the house! You always find a way of tagging along whether they want it or not. You convince them that you can handle any challenge they give you, like keeping up with their walking pace regardless of your small feet.
Who tells you your company is not going to be any different in your 20’s and 30’s? On campus, you will also be surrounded by men as your classmates. Most of the people you will interact with are men because of the path that you chose to pursue. This time, you have to work together by learning the best from them and them learning the best from you. They will look up to you and respect you for your choices and for what you are doing.
Fridah, at 6 years, you are cheeky, playful, mischievous, and you always get what you want by manipulating your dad, like keeping your dad waiting to take you to the dentist for your braces, hoping get to the dentist late after his closing time! (Maybe in 20 years’ time, you will take yourself to an orthodontist and get your braces fixed?) As you grow, you will not get things done by manipulating anyone but by working hard and earning it yourself.
When you are asked what you want to be when you grow up, you say, ‘I want to be a surveyor like my parents’. Life will not always give you what you want, but when it happens, make the best out of the situation. Choose a path you know where it leads and be ready to overcome challenges until you get to your destination.
Be brave and take bold risks. Dream dreams that scare you. It may look tough at the beginning and it will even be tougher as you proceed. But, in time, what seemed impossible will be possible. That’s when you realize that you are only getting better and better.
You are a star, don’t be afraid to shine. The time is now.
Yours sincerely,
A much older and wiser Fridah Kamau
Representation Matters is a collaborative project between The Exploratory, African Women in Science and Engineering, Levers in Heels, and is supported in part by a Diversity in Science grant from The Biochemical Society. Find out how to contribute here.
