Today we’d like to introduce you to Priscilla Wachira.
Hi Priscilla, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
My personal writing journey has always been one-of-a-kind. I would say that I never expected to become an author; I think it just kind of happened, and when I say that, I believe it was a God moment! A SUDDENLY, as one of my pastors back in my university years would say.
I am a firm believer in the fact that God qualifies those that the world may deem unqualified. So, to answer this question to the best of my ability, I would say that it was in the middle of the writing process that I realized that I wanted to write because I saw my story outline itself, and as it did, I saw the themes that were popping up In my life, and I knew that these were not just personal issues but global, communal, local, and most importantly, personal issues that would resonate to every reader no matter their gender, social status, &, etc.
The title of my book is called: Seated my Journey To Becoming. There, I discuss my personal journey of growth and how I learned to remain seated while navigating the chaos of life and the temptation to get up out of the seat that God had created me for. Sidenote: the seat symbolizes the promises of God because we know that we are co-heirs with Christ & thus, seated in heavenly places with Him!
As a result of that assurance, we are encouraged to be still and allow God to set everything up for us at the table that he so graciously prepares for us! Therefore, this book highlights the various personal experiences that encountered as I battled the idea of “becoming” & learning to stay in my seat. It was the act of surrender that invited God to heal & show me the promises He has placed over my life.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My goodness! No! You see, the Christian walk I believe is tied to challenges and sufferings as the scripture says we suffer with Christ just as he suffered, and we rejoice in these sufferings because we know that they produce perseverance and character development. However, at the very moment, you do not enjoy the development of character, but instead, looking back, are you able to say: wow, this situation I went through did, in fact, yield good fruit!
My personal challenges had been number one: being an Akorino woman in the United States and conforming to society to better understand the day ins & outs while at the same time celebrating my uniqueness not just as a Christian but as an Akorino woman; might I add, a black, immigrant woman.
So, although these challenges were once difficult, I quickly learned whatever you deem to be a great burden, whether it’s in your appearance, your family of origin, social circle, etc., that is where your greatest breakthrough lies! That “burden” is what God uses as HIS platform to preach the gospel and showcase Christ’s love to everyone! It’s what HE uses to ELEVATE you! So, be YOU, be TRUE!
In the same space where I believed no story lay was the same space that birthed my breakthrough. The societal pressures & silent struggles with identity that I once beheld as weapons of mass destruction
became exact tools to overcome what once held me down! In sum, it’s all about perspective. Is what’s really happening bad, or is it an area of growth that will stretch your character for the coming days?
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a Nationally Certified Counselor and a Licensed Professional Counselor (Associate). Additionally, I am very passionate about community engagement and outreach efforts that focus on empowering young adults across various cultures pertaining to their physical and mental health. Most importantly, highlighting how both play a role in their overall well-being.
Over the years, I have come to enjoy research, but oh did I avoid it for a long time because I didn’t know my WHY! I did research “robotically” without passion even though I understand it’s not everyone’s cup of tea…I at least wanted to enjoy it somehow because it was necessary for career and professional development!
Once I found my why and accepted myself fully, I quickly learned that: when you know why and HOW you want to change something, that core value in you CANNOT be shaken, for it’s what drives you towards your purpose!
Therefore, I’ve come to embrace my differences fiercely for they have charted a path for me to be a voice to many who feel voiceless. Likewise, unseen in some way or another. What sets me apart is the ability to realize that it took leaving my home country to experience a new culture and struggle in doing so, only to become a go-between for many African immigrants who are walking through similar struggles but don’t even know how to name them or even navigate them properly to heal.
Thus, my interests have come to include but are not limited to:
📌 Exploring barriers that affect emotional expression among different cultures.
📌 Mental Health stigma within the immigrant community.
📌 Cultural stigmas regarding the expressions & perceptions of shame, guilt, and vulnerability specifically.
In sum, I am a firm believer that people begin to heal the moment they feel heard! This healing is the result of a safe environment (space) that is created with the intention of providing emotional healing and connection instead of judgment or shame.
I am confident of this:
When we tell our stories, we rid shame of its badge of dishonor over our lives!
What’s next?
Yes, there are many big plans in the works. I am shifting my career path into one that’s focused on using my voice to empower others to make change in their respective areas & social circles through mentorship!
Likewise, leaning heavily into my professional role as a therapist as I raise awareness regarding the mental health stigma, specifically within the diaspora circles. As a proud Kenyan, these gifts and talents are not mine to own but to give back to my community! To my people who’ve supported me along the way towards self-actualization!
I used to be ashamed to share my identity struggles with fellow Kenyans because what was there to stuggle or worry about when I had community. However, the issue was deeper; it was that there was so much community that the silent cries of many were washed away or abased in prayers or innocently overlooked as a phase of sadness.
On the contrary, I am excited about the new wave of awareness that is rising within our community and even broader throughout the African continent. Mental health issues are being brought to light day by day. Some may desire instant results and rush the process due to a sense of being “behind the times”, but I think if we celebrate each milestone properly, then the change will continue to be mode intentional and greater.
Pricing:
- $25.00 USD -Amazon Hard Copy
- $10.99 USD – Kindle E-book
- $1390 KSH – Kenyaclc.org
- $1390 – Jumia.co.ke
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/pris_wambui?igshid=ZDdkNTZiNTM=
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pwachira
Image Credits
Cecilie Olaussen Photography
Kendall Nicole Studios Photography
