Patrick’s First Day… and His Big Step into Year Two

I want to share an update with you from Kibabii University - directly from Patrick Wesonga, the student we’ve all come to know and support through the Fields to Future campaign.

Patrick is now beginning his second year at Kibabii, and he took some time to reflect on where this journey started. His words are thoughtful and sincere, and I hope you’ll take a moment to read what he wrote. (I’ve edited his message slightly.)

Patrick’s Story: My First Day at Kibabii University – A Journey of Gratitude

I still remember the excitement and nervousness of my very first day at Kibabii University. Walking through the campus gates, I felt a mixture of hope and curiosity about the journey ahead. The classrooms buzzed with energy. There were new faces everywhere, and a real sense that anything was possible.

As a first-year student, everything felt big and unfamiliar. The lecture halls, the library, even finding the right classroom felt like an adventure. But most of all, I felt deeply thankful to be there, learning and growing in ways I had always hoped for.

Now, as I begin my second year, I reflect on that first day with a strong sense of gratitude. None of this would have been possible without the generous support of the Charlie Cares community. Your belief in students like me has opened doors I never thought I could reach.

Your contributions are more than financial support. They are investments in our futures and in the potential we have to make a difference. Thank you for walking with me. I hope to make you proud as I continue to learn, grow, and give back to my community.

Patrick also shared a bit about what he’s been learning recently. In one of his history classes, they explored traditional African kingship, and he found one particular detail fascinating:

“One of the most surprising things we learned was how powerful kings were in some societies. In certain traditions, if a king admired something in your home - even your wife - he could take it into the palace. Learning about these customs has helped me understand how authority, culture, and leadership shaped communities before colonial times.”

Hearing how Patrick is thinking about leadership and culture - and how it connects to today - just shows how much he’s growing through this experience.

Why This Matters

This is what real change looks like. A student who once wondered whether college would be possible is now thriving at university, asking big questions, and preparing to make an impact.

If you’ve supported the Fields to Future campaign, this is your impact in action. There is still so much more we can do together.

Thank you for believing in this work.