“From Determination to Graduation:First-Generation Success: Catherine Kigiri’s Journey Through College to a Degree in Advanced Manufacturing Systems”
“From Determination to Graduation: Catherine Kigiri’s Achievement in Advanced Manufacturing Systems as a First-Gen Student”
First-Generation Success: Catherine Kigiri Earns BS in Advanced Manufacturing Systems, Inspiring the African Diaspora
Boston, MA – June 2024: Catherine Kigiri, originally from Kiambu, Kenya, has successfully graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Advanced Manufacturing Systems from Northeastern University. Her journey, marked by resilience and determination, serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for the African diaspora in the USA and beyond.
Catherine Kigiri arrived in Boston in 2000 on a visitor visa, leaving behind her agricultural village just eight miles outside Nairobi. Staying with a friend in Quincy, MA, Kigiri decided to extend her stay in the United States after discovering the inclusive nature of American education. Recognizing an opportunity to become a first-generation college graduate, she applied for a student visa and enrolled at Quincy College, initially working as an inspector at GE Aerospace in Lynn, MA, to support herself.
Balancing work and education, Kigiri pursued an associate degree in liberal arts and sciences from Quincy College. Her dedication paid off when GE offered her a first-shift position, opening the door to a groundbreaking partnership between Northeastern University’s College of Professional Studies and GE. This collaboration, aligned with federal workforce development objectives, led to the creation of the BS in Advanced Manufacturing Systems program.
Despite personal and financial challenges, including supporting her family in Kenya, raising three children, and dealing with a separation from her husband, Kigiri remained steadfast in her academic pursuits. The program’s flexibility and the support from Professor Krassimir Marchev were pivotal in her journey. “Just focus on one day at a time,” Professor Marchev advised, a mantra Kigiri embraced wholeheartedly.
Kigiri’s determination was further tested during the COVID-19 pandemic when her courses transitioned online. Many classmates dropped out, but she persevered, motivated by her desire to set an example for her children. Her three sons, Denzel (16), Edward (10), and Imara (7), provided unwavering support, helping with household chores and encouraging her academic efforts.
Financial constraints posed significant hurdles, but scholarships from Northeastern, including the Robert Rosenberg, Lowell, and Paul J. Theriault Memorial scholarships, enabled her to continue her education without accruing debt.
The graduation ceremony was particularly poignant for Kigiri, marking the one-year anniversary of her father’s passing. “I had hoped he could witness this great achievement,” she said, attributing her drive to her mother, a teacher who prioritized education despite financial hardships.
Kigiri’s message to parents, especially single parents, is one of perseverance: “Take your time and push yourself every single day. My children are my heroes. I do this for them. Go to school, be a better person, and set an example for your kids.”
Reflecting on her journey, Kigiri is filled with gratitude and pride. “I still cannot believe this is happening to me,” she said, as she looks forward to celebrating her milestone before planning her next steps.
Catherine Kigiri’s story is a testament to the power of education and the strength of the human spirit. Her success inspires countless individuals in the African diaspora and beyond to pursue their dreams against all odds.
