Past Mental Health Challenges And Addictions Do Not Define Me. Ayuma Shikuku.

Don’t you just love a comeback story? I recently met Ayuma Shikuku at President Obama’s YALI program early this year. What struck me was her great intonation and eloquence as we had a tet a tet conversation over lattes and crumpets.

I think when I was in my mothers womb, I wanted to pop out and conquer the world by becoming a gang leader. True story. As a young child, I was always the lead tom boy. My parents on the other hand were very strict especially my mother who never minced her words. We actually nick named her Thatcher the iron lady.

My parents were doing very well and managed to take me to private schools up until my lower primary. My dad lost his job and there was no alternative but to take me to a public school. Life was very different in this school, loads of crude behavior from pupils seeing as the teachers never paid much attention to us.

I seriously hated school and within a short time, had gravitated towards the bad company. We would run away from school to go and play. One day my mother found out and I got a good whooping at home- it was horrendous. She threatened to take me to school the following day, parade the whole school and beat me in front of all of them.

Knowing her, I knew she wasn't campaign promising. I had to think fast. I woke up early the following day, wore my school uniform on top of some home clothes. Upon reaching school, I removed my uniform and ran away.

I walked many kilometers from Buruburu estate to Nairobi's CBD. I was determined to live on the streets and never go back home.

I walked the whole day in town in search of street families and could not spot any. I was hungry and cranky. By God's grace, a neighbor spotted me crying and forcefully took me home. It was the first time I felt in control because I saw my parents worried and none of them scolded me that night.

High school was another difficult chapter of my life. My friends and I got suspended several times for leading a strike amongst other things and we finally got expelled. The second school I joined had extreme strict rules. I cleared my education with a C plain without any major drama.

My dad was now doing well and had me taken for counseling with the best psychiatrist in East and Central Africa then, Dr. Frank Njenga . I was diagnosed of Bi-polar disorder.

I joined Kabarak University for a bridging course immediately after high school but then got expelled after two months for skipping school. I later joined Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (Karen) and studied a diploma and a Bachelors both in Business and IT. My parents even rewarded me upon clearing of my studies with some money.

I amazed by the brilliance I exuded that I wrote a business plan and asked my friend to pitch it to her dad. We received Kes 400, 000 for it. My parents topped it up with Kshs 600,000. We started a water bottling and sandwich Company that hit the ground running. Our margins were great. We were balling and chopping some money!

I graduated with a second lower which was the beginning of falling into a dark bottomless pit. Everyone I knew did very well in their studies which made me think I was a failure. I went in to depression and a doctor diagnosed me with depression, Bi-polar and ADHD(Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder).

This is a killer combination. My family members were living on edge because of my hyperactivity, inattention and Impulsivity. It caused severe symptoms that affect how I felt, thought and handled my daily activities. My parents had also separated. I had to be taken to rehab because of this and the many times I had overdosed.

At rehab in 2012, I met a high school friend from Zambia who during the meetings would sneak in cigarettes and alcohol. We would steal prescription pads and self prescribe the medication we needed to get high. Our 40 days were creeping in on us. Can you imagine we got expelled from rehab? Seriously, how does that even happen?

After a few days of being expelled, I tried to reach my friend from rehab in vain. We had planned to party after being expelled. Sadly, I found out later through a common friend that she had died from a cocaine overdose. This was heart breaking and my turning point. (she goes in to deep though)

In 2013, my mum was taking care of me full time at home. She would bring paintings and colors to calm me down which took me to better world. I love painting and drawing. It get me dreaming.

I had an idea about a virtual reality project. I researched about it and made a pitch deck. I began looking for venture capitalists. When I pitched it to the highly competitive Chandaria Incubation Center, I was selected to develop my idea. I am still developing the project.

In 2015, I also applied and got selected for The Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme (TEEP) which also has an award prize of $5,000 and a further optional $5,000 loan.

In the same year, I applied for the Start up grind, a global startup community designed to educate, inspire, and connect entrepreneurs. It is powered by Google for Entrepreneurs. I made it for the Eldoret chapter and moved towns. I love the impact we have had on tens of people in the community. We are currently in the middle of organizing for a high profile ICT expo in Uasin Gishu in December that will have 1,500 people attend.

Early this year, I got selected for YALI RLC under the business and entrepreneurship track and I must say, this changed my life. I met very well accomplished young African leaders from East and Central Africa who are fearlessly transforming their communities. Getting selected was a validation of my dreams. I can't begin to talk about the major connections and knowledge I got.

My advice to young people is to be comfortable in your skin. To love yourself. Your past does not matter, what does is what you are doing now to make the future better for others. If you are entrepreneurial, don't be bucket carriers forever. Work for some time and have an exit plan. Your dreams can not be selfish, they should be geared towards changing others.

In the next 10 years, I intend to be in politics as an advisor and/or strategist. My virtual reality project will have reached at least five Counties in Kenya with an aim of impacting over 500,000 lives.

I am currently working on bringing to life an innovation hub in Eldoret with the many connections I now have.

A few friends and I run mental health success stories through different programs. This is a much needed program for most Kenyans in order to develop coping mechanisms with mental issues just like I did.

When Ayuma is not working, she enjoys spending time with her mom, reading, farming and chicken cooked anyhow. We applaud you Ayuma, keep soaring.

The fearless young leader turns the big 30 today. Join me in wishing her a beautiful day and many more years of transforming many lives.