PERSONALITY OF THE WEEK: Mariam mell’osiime

Mariam Mell'Osiime Mpaata is the director Junior stars football club in Mombasa. PHOTO | COURTESY

What you need to know:

  • Today, I run a soccer academy where I sometimes act as the captain or goal keeper.
  • Eight years ago, I knew nothing about football. But this didn’t stop me from trying. When my passion whispered, I listened and I educated myself on the subject and hired people who were experts in the field.

Passion doesn’t always roar. Sometimes it is something you just stumble upon when you are busy chasing another dream. I studied development studies at Makerere University, hoping to work in the same field.

Eight years ago, I knew nothing about football. But this didn’t stop me from trying. When my passion whispered, I listened and I educated myself on the subject and hired people who were experts in the field. Today, I run a soccer academy where I sometimes act as the captain or goal keeper. 

Five questions

1. What were you doing at 22? 

I was a university student working very hard so that I could get a paying job. I had no idea that what the future held for me was completely different.

2. What was your greatest challenge starting the football club? 

The hardest part was getting others to believe in my idea, and getting parents to trust me with their children.

3. How do you get through the rough patches? 

These were many especially at the beginning, but I hold on because it is not just a job, it is a cause that is positively changing the lives of many. If I fail, it will not be just me that failed.

4. Who is your mentor? I have many, but the ones who have the greatest impact on me are the ones closest to me.

My mother Betty Osiime guides me often, and reminds me that I have the answers I am seeking within me. Also, my husband Kassim is able to see my dream like I do, and nudges me on.

5. What is the one thing a young person reading this should know?

The world is out there for you to take. You just need to focus on the right thing.

I live by these five pointers 

1. I don’t leave things unfinished. When I start something, I follow through to the end.

2. I enjoy what I do. This way, when I wake up in the morning, I do not feel as if I am going to work.

3. I have big dreams. Each year, I focus on one and work hard to accomplish it. This year, I am working on my memoirs.

4. Networking has been a powerful tool. It has taken me places I wouldn’t have imagined.

5. I set myself targets. Daily, weekly, monthly, yearly. If you do not set goals, then you will get lost along the way, since you won’t know where you are going.

My most interesting read is I am Malala: The girl who stood up for education and was shot by the Taliban. It was written by Christina Lamb and Malala Yousafzai. I am awed by the fact that Malala found her voice at such a young age.