KTN's Timothy Otieno revealed that he worked part-time as a teacher of English to raise money for upkeep while studying in the United Kingdom.
Speaking on Daring Abroad on Saturday, January 21, Otieno, who received a Ksh2.4 million scholarship to pursue a Master's degree in International Journalism, stated that studying in the UK is expensive.
Despite his tuition fee being catered for and even receiving a monthly stipend under the Chevening programme, he still had to work extra hours for sustenance.
"I had to put my journalist title aside. I work as an English tutor every weekend for seven hours to raise my upkeep and keep myself busy during my free time," he noted.
The Chevening program offers students Ksh230,000 every month to meet their needs. Otieno encouraged Kenyans who wish to study abroad to take up odd jobs.
He also reminded host, Alex Chamwada of the role he played in ensuring that he selected the scholarship.
"One of the requirements during the application was that I had to write two essays which had to be accompanied by two recommendation letters and you wrote me one of them," Otieno stated.
However, the journey between the two Alumni of Moi University began more than eight years ago when Chamwada visited the campus.
"You came to my class in 2014 for a mentorship talk. I then sent you a message telling you that I was interested in journalism and was looking for somebody to hold my hand," he recounted.
Meanwhile, the award-winning KTN journalist stated that his time in London has been an eye-opener, citing individual and career growth.
The Chevening scholarship is exclusive to member countries. Among the requirements is that applicants have to demonstrate leadership in their respective fields.
Applicants must also have worked for at least two years and completed all components of an undergraduate degree.
