By Irene Musau (Margo)
I want to share a journey that changed the direction of my life and taught me one powerful truth: it is never too late to restart.
In 2017, my life took an unexpected turn when I lost my partner. Becoming a widow was something I had never imagined facing so early in life. Grief has a way of shaking everything you thought was certain. For a while, life felt like it had come to a complete stop.
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The emotional weight of that season led me into clinical depression, and I spent months admitted in the hospital. Those were some of the most difficult days of my life. But sometimes, when life slows you down in ways you never planned, you are given space to reflect deeply. During that time, I began thinking seriously about my life, my future, and the kind of impact I wanted to have.
At the same time, I was a mother, and my children were looking up to me. Even in my lowest moments, I knew I had to find strength again. Motherhood gave me a reason to rise, even when it felt difficult.
It was during that season of reflection that I made a life-changing decision.
In 2018, I chose to leave the salon industry, a career I had worked in for years, and go back to school to pursue teaching. Many people see restarting as something risky, especially as an adult. But I believed something deep in my heart: your past does not limit your future, and it is never too late to begin again.
Going back to school while raising children and rebuilding life after loss required courage, discipline, and faith. There were moments of doubt, moments of exhaustion, and moments when the journey felt longer than expected. But I was blessed with something very special—a supportive family that encouraged me and stood by me throughout the process, alongside Fr. Lenny, Fr. DK, and my lecturers. Their belief in me helped carry me forward.
Today, I stand proud and grateful to say that the decision to restart changed my life.
I am now happily practicing in the teaching profession, working with young learners and helping shape their curiosity, confidence, and love for learning. Watching a child understand something new, find their voice, or gain confidence is one of the most rewarding experiences anyone can have.
Beyond the classroom, teaching has opened doors for me to serve within professional teacher associations, where I contribute to conversations on teacher development and professional growth. I am honored 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 others—working alongside educators passionate about strengthening the profession.
Along the way, I also embraced another passion and became an author, using writing as a platform to share experiences, ideas, and encouragement with others.
And the learning has not stopped. I am still studying Special Needs Education because I want to touch even more lives, especially learners who are visually and hearing impaired. Every child deserves the chance to learn, to be understood, and to feel included. Continuing my studies is part of my commitment to making education more inclusive and meaningful for all learners.
When I look back at 2017, I remember a moment when life felt like it had completely stopped. But today I understand something beautiful: sometimes the place where life seems to pause is actually where a new purpose begins.
My journey is proof that reinvention is possible.
You can lose everything you thought defined your life and still rise again.
You can start over, go back to school, choose a new path, and discover purpose in places you never expected.
So today, my message is simple but powerful:
If you are thinking about changing your path, going back to school, starting a new career, or pursuing something that feels bigger than where you are now, do not be afraid to restart.
Restarting does not mean you failed before.
Restarting means you had the courage to choose growth over fear.
Your journey may take time. People may question your decisions. The road may feel uncertain. But your courage to begin again can open doors you never imagined.
It is never too late to restart. Never.
Today, I celebrate resilience, motherhood, healing, supportive family, and the courage to rebuild life after loss—and the quiet strength it takes to begin again.
