Emma’s Journey:
From Kisii to Austria
A Nurse’s Dream in Motion
A Spark in Form Four
For Emma Bitengo Ogega, the path to nursing was born from a hospital bed. While battling illness in high school, she spent many days under the care of nurses whose warm smiles and pristine uniforms left an indelible impression.
“Their smile could lighten your heart,” she recalls. “It intrigued me.”
That spark led her to nursing school, a journey marked by growth, grit, and unexpected friendships. One such friendship was with Faith, a fellow student and now a travel companion on a new journey: nursing in Austria.
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Discovering TYE Pathways
Emma’s introduction to TYE Pathways came from another friend, already in Austria.
“She told me about this German program. I trusted her, so I thought, why not give it a try?”
What began as curiosity turned into a life-changing opportunity.
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The Long but Worth-It Journey
Emma graduated from nursing school in 2023. Juggling her internship, a job in Nairobi, and German language classes, she carved out time to chase her dream, often late into the night.
“I burned a lot of midnight oil,” she says. “I’d come home from the hospital tired but still study until midnight.”
Even with all the demands, she was driven by a clear goal: to build a world-class nursing career.
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Emma and Faith
A Mix of Emotions
Now that her flights are booked and her departure is near, Emma describes a swirl of emotions.
“I’m excited, but it’s bittersweet. I’ll miss my family and friends, but I’m ready for new experiences.”
She looks forward to learning Austria’s healthcare system, immersing herself in new cultures, and building her future in Europe.
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Lessons in Patience and Purpose
From the start of her application in December, the process took about eight months. Emma admits she thought it would be quicker but learned patience along the way.
“I wish I had known how long it would take. But looking back, every moment taught me something.”
One lesson stands out: always be prepared. She wishes she’d gotten her passport earlier, something she now tells her peers to sort out before applying.
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Family: Her Strongest Support
When Emma told her parents she wanted to pursue nursing abroad, they offered nothing but support.
“They’ve funded everything, my classes, my exams. They told me this is a great opportunity to explore and grow.”
Their encouragement has been a constant anchor.
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Overcoming Challenges
Balancing hospital shifts, language learning, and exams was no small feat.
“The language was the hardest part. German requires constant practice and devotion.”
Emma rates the challenge of learning German a 6 out of 10, but she emphasizes that success comes down to commitment.
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TYE’s Role: A Steady Guide
Emma credits TYE Pathways with smoothing the process, from document verification to moral support.
“TYE was always there. They understood, guided me, and were so patient.”
She especially appreciated that the program wasn’t exploitative.
“TYE doesn’t ask for crazy money like other agencies. I tell my friends and they’re amazed.”
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Hopes for the Future
Professionally, Emma dreams of becoming a senior nurse and specializing in anesthesia. Personally, she’s driven by a love for travel.
“One day, I want to explore the world with my loved ones. This opportunity is just the beginning.”
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Final Words: Faith and Fortitude
Looking back, Emma sees one constant through every hurdle: faith.
“God has been faithful. There were times I felt like giving up, but prayer gave me strength.”
With a heart full of gratitude and ambition, Emma is now ready to take her place on the global stage.