Life, PhD and BasketBall

I have always believed in getting to the very top of everything I do in my life. This included my earlier years as a Basketball player where I worked hard to join the Kenya National Basketball Youth Team in 1998. Now I realise the close connection between my passion for PhD and Basketball. Ever since arriving in Sheffield, it is during this semester in which I have worked the hardest. All I have learnt, and the constant thoughts of what I want to achieve culminated in carefully and well thought out drafts. I just couldn’t stop myself from working. It had nothing to do with what I wanted or had to. I just found myself working late into the night and it has been fascinating.

I am now in a stage of discovery. Every time I read my thesis, I realise just how it makes sense. I am amazed at the manner in which all sections are connected. I also discover how each word has its own special space and significance. To be honest, I have this strong feeling that I will miss pursuing my PhD after I am done. I will miss this life, just as much as I miss playing Basketball, the game that taught and shaped me on how to approach life.

But I also face serious challenges. Now in my third and final year, there is definitely an increase in the pressure. It reminds of my Basketball days in Mangu High School. The minutes before a match would be tense. I wore the No 7 Shirt with pride. I was in the first five of the team and led in scoring throughout my stint in the first team. My mentor, Sammy Muturi, whose shirt I inherited taught me the importance of focus and meditation. And hardly did he miss any shots. I remain focussed and meditate as the PhD comes to an end.

I have always compared my life to Basketball. On a one on one basis, I believed no one could ever beat me. It became my truth. But one man can never do it alone in this world. So our Coach (Paul Otula), and who is one of the men that shaped my life, taught us the importance of teamwork. So strict was his policy that he would often request that ONE of us take a shot at the basket and if missed, ALL (the whole team) would be ordered to run on the court back and fourth, also known as suicides. Now, my supervisor, in similar fashion to my Coach, encourages me to not only get all the key arguments on board but to also critically analyse and develop them.

Whatever the date of my Viva ( PhD oral exam), I am approaching the free-throw zone about to take a shot at the basket. I have received a lot of support from many people who are aware of my current venture.And it reminds me of the days that the Basket Ball court was jammed with people cheering, ‘Tunaye Jemo, Hampampata!!’(Our James, you Cant stop him!!). I was known for my follow-through when taking a shot at the basket. It means I like to finish things well.Now, looking at the score-board, a successful defence of my Viva will ensure victory for my people and the society. Yet, deep inside, it will be my self liberation.