Irene Musau.
By Irene Musau (Margo)
I want to share a journey that redirected my life and taught me one profound truth: it is never too late to begin anew.
In 2017, my life took an unexpected path when I lost my partner. Becoming a widow was not something I had anticipated facing at such a young age. Grief has a way of destabilizing everything you believed was certain. For a period, life felt as if it had completely halted.
The emotional burden of that time led me into clinical depression, and I spent months hospitalized. Those were among the most challenging days of my existence. Yet, sometimes when life slows you down in ways you never intended, you are given space for deep reflection. During that period, I began contemplating my life, my future, and the kind of impact I wished to create.
Simultaneously, I was a mother, and my children looked to me for guidance. Even in my darkest moments, I knew I had to rediscover my strength. Motherhood provided me with a reason to rise, even when circumstances felt overwhelming.
It was during this season of reflection that I made a life-altering decision.
In 2018, I chose to depart from the salon industry, a career I had pursued for years, and return to school to study teaching. Many view restarting as perilous, particularly as an adult. But I held a firm belief in my heart: your past does not define your future, and it is never too late to start again.
Returning to school while raising children and rebuilding after loss demanded courage, discipline, and faith. There were moments of uncertainty, moments of fatigue, and moments when the journey seemed longer than anticipated. But I was fortunate to have something extraordinarya supportive family that encouraged me and stood by me throughout the process, alongside Fr. Lenny, Fr. DK, and my instructors. Their confidence in me helped propel me forward.
Today, I stand proud and grateful to acknowledge that the decision to restart transformed my life.
I now joyfully practice in the teaching profession, working with young students and helping cultivate their curiosity, self-assurance, and passion for learning. Witnessing a child comprehend something new, find their voice, or gain confidence is among the most fulfilling experiences anyone can have.
Beyond the classroom, teaching has provided opportunities for me to engage within professional teacher associations, where I contribute to discussions on teacher development and professional growth. I am privileged to serve as Founder and Ambassador of the International English Language Teachers Association (Kenya), Founder of Inclusive Education with Margo, and Secretary of the Nairobi Chapter of the English Language Professionals Association of Kenya (ELPAK). I am also an ambassador with 1 Million Teachers, part of the first cohort to complete the program in Kenya, and an active member of RELO East Africa, Africa ELTA, Tufunzeni, among otherscollaborating with educators dedicated to strengthening the profession.
Throughout this journey, I also embraced another passion and became an author, using writing as a medium to share experiences, insights, and encouragement with others.
And the learning continues. I am still studying Special Needs Education because I aspire to reach even more lives, particularly learners with visual and hearing impairments. Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, to be understood, and to feel included. Continuing my education reflects my commitment to making learning more inclusive and meaningful for all students.
When I reflect on 2017, I recall a moment when life appeared to have completely stopped. But today I understand something beautiful: sometimes where life seems to pause is actually where a new purpose emerges.
My journey demonstrates that transformation is possible.
You can lose everything you believed defined your existence and still rise again.
You can start over, return to education, choose a different path, and discover purpose in places you never anticipated.
So today, my message is simple yet powerful:
If you are considering changing your direction, going back to school, embarking on a new career, or pursuing something that feels greater than your current situation, do not fear restarting.
Restarting does not indicate previous failure.
Restarting signifies having the courage to prioritize growth over fear.
Your journey may require time. People may question your choices. The path may feel uncertain. But your bravery to begin anew can open doors you never imagined.
It is never too late to restart. Never.
Today, I honor resilience, motherhood, healing, supportive family, and the fortitude to rebuild life after lossand the quiet strength it takes to begin once more.