Miss Global Tourism Kenya Mitchelle Opiyo Otieno has challenged students at Bandari Maritime Academy (BMA) to remain resilient, patient, and proactive in building professional networks as they prepare for their future careers.
Speaking during a motivational session at the institution, the beauty queen shared her personal journey from an aspiring model to representing Kenya on the international stage in Malaysia and emerging victorious in a global competition.
She noted that success is often achieved through self-belief, hard work, and perseverance, regardless of one’s background or level of experience.
According to her, she entered the modelling industry without prior knowledge or training but was driven by passion and determination to pursue her dream. She encouraged students to maintain confidence in their abilities and remain committed to their goals despite challenges.
“I started my journey with very little knowledge about modelling, but I believed in myself and remained committed to learning and growing every day. Your background should never limit your ambitions, she said.
The tourism ambassador also emphasized the importance of networking, describing it as a valuable tool for personal and professional growth. She advised students to establish meaningful relationships during their studies, noting that connections made in school can create opportunities in the future.
“The people you meet today could become your colleagues, mentors, business partners, or employers tomorrow. Build genuine relationships and make networking part of your personal development,”* she added.
In addition, she spoke about the challenges she encountered on her path to success, including cyberbullying and criticism from individuals who did not view modelling as a worthwhile career. However, she said these experiences strengthened her resolve and motivated her to work harder.
Miss Global Tourism Kenya urged the students to view challenges as opportunities for growth rather than barriers to achievement. She emphasized that resilience and determination are essential qualities for overcoming obstacles and succeeding in any field.
She concluded by encouraging the students to strive for excellence, remain focused on their ambitions, and never give up on their dreams.
The session formed part of efforts to inspire and empower students by exposing them to real-life experiences of individuals who have overcome adversity to achieve success on both national and international platforms.
Present were BMA Senior Careers Services Officer Samuel Dube.
