Networks are a rather complicated web of connections that significantly shaped my personal and professional life. While reflecting on my networks, I have come to the realization that my networks are very diverse and dynamic, and each relationship contributes to my growth and experiences. These networks consist of my family, my friends, my community, and my peers, both inside and outside my professional life.

My family forms the basis of my networks, providing me a foundation of support, trust as well as unconditional love. This network includes my immediate family members such as my parents, my siblings and my extended relatives. The relationships within this network are characterized by multiple factors such as deep emotional bonds, mutual care as well as shared experiences. There are multiple forms of exchanges within this network and the primary form of exchange within my family network is emotional support. During challenging times, this network offers a safe space for me to be able to express my fears as well as to seek advice and find comfort and consolation. Another exchange within this network is shared responsibilities such as household responsibilities and assistance in various life events.

Similarly, friends form a crucial part of my social network as they offer me companionship, shared interests as well as a sense of belonging. This group of networks is diverse as it includes my childhood friends, high-school mates, university friends, church friends and new acquaintances. One of the exchanges within this network is social interaction. My friendships provide a platform for social interactions, creating joyful memories and doing fun activities. These interactions are important for my mental well-being and to relieve stress. Another exchange within this network is giving advice and encouragement as friends often offer practical advice and encouragement, especially those friends who share similar interests and are going through a similar stage as you. These friends’ supportiveness is invaluable during challenging times. Another exchange within this network is that friends are also able to introduce me to new opportunities regarding academic advancements, career advancements, hobbies and even social events as they expand my horizon by connecting me with new people and experiences.

Lastly, another network is community network which comprises of my neighbours, local organisations and various community and school groups that I am a part of. This network therefore creates a sense of local belonging. One of the exchanges within this network is cultural exchange. Community events and gatherings facilitate cultural exchanges which therefore enhance my understanding and appreciation of diverse traditions and practices within the community that I am in. Secondly, support and assistance is also one of the exchanges within this network and it is very pivotal, especially during times of emergency. During such times, the community network provides mutual support and assistance as neighbours often look out for each other which therefore enhances a sense of security and the well-being of the community.

Reflecting on these networks I have come to realise that each one of them play a distinct and vital role in my life. My family network offers me emotional stability and foundational support while my friends provide social interaction and mutual encouragement. Lastly, my community network fosters local engagement and cultural exchange all which go hand in hand in helping me to create a sense of belonging.

As a member of the Congolese/Swahili ethnic group, there are many teachings and beliefs embedded in my culture that have profoundly influenced my worldview. These teachings and beliefs not only guide me as an individual but also shape the community and ethnic group that I come from.

One of the fundamental teachings in the Swahili culture is Ubuntu otherwise known as Umuntu or even “Harambe”, which is an Nguni Ubuntu term that means “I am because we are” and is also a term for togetherness and unity. These terms emphasise the interconnectedness of all people and the importance that community and mutual support has. Growing up with the principle of Ubuntu or Harambe instilled a strong sense of community and solidarity within me which also taught me that individual success cannot fully be achieved without one’s community and its well-being. This belief encouraged a collective approach to most of the challenges that I had faced growing up and it also creates a sort of supportive environment whereby everyone looks out for each other. The term Ubuntu and Harambe have also assisted me in creating healthy relationships with others and being able to cooperate with others for example in terms of group work or teamwork.

Relatively, another fundamental belief that has influenced my worldview is Kibunji which emphasises respect for elders and the wisdom of our ancestors. In my culture, elders are praised and looked up to for their knowledge and experience as well as their guidance which is usually asked for in matters of family, community and personal life. The belief and the teaching of Kibunji has instilled within me a deep respect for my elders and a humble approach to learning. Not only this, but it has also taught me to value the experiences and insights of the elders and has made me able to recognise that the elders’ wisdom is a crucial resource that will assist me in making informed decisions, understanding the complexities of life and learning from the past mistakes of these elders. Similarly, Kibunjii also puts emphasis on the importance of maintaining cultural continuity which has helped me appreciate my cultural heritage a little more. It has also constantly reminded me that while progress is an important part of life, preserving my cultural identity and learning from the past and those before me are equally important.

Both teachings as well as many others, have significantly shaped my personal life as they have taught me the importance of relationships and how to create strong supportive relationships as well as the importance of respect especially for my elders and the benefits that come with the respect that I give out and the wisdom I receive.