When I was in college, I had my sights set on becoming a software developer. Coding fascinated me, and I dreamed of working at a big tech company, building the next groundbreaking app. But one small mistake changed everything.
One semester, I was supposed to sign up for a course called Advanced Programming, but in my rush to register, I accidentally clicked on investigative journalism. I didn’t realize my mistake until the first day of class when the professor started talking about media ethics and uncovering hidden truths.
I panicked. Dropping the course wasn’t an option because all the programming classes were full. So, I decided to just get through it and move on.
But something unexpected happened.
For our first assignment, we had to interview someone and write a short article. I chose a janitor who had worked at the college for over 30 years. He shared stories about the changes he had witnessed, the students he had helped, and the struggles of being an overlooked part of the system.
When I turned in my article, the professor called me aside. “You have a natural talent for storytelling,” she said. “Have you ever considered journalism?”
I laughed it off. Me? A journalist? No way.
But as the semester continued, I found myself enjoying the process—researching, interviewing, and writing. It felt exhilarating in a way coding never had. I started submitting articles to the student newspaper, then freelanced for a local magazine.
By the time I graduated, my dream of being a software developer had faded, replaced by a new passion: journalism. Today, I run my own blog dayawetalk.com and YouTube channel @Daya- lets- Talk ,telling stories that matter.
All because of one happy mistake.
One Mistake, a million stories, sometimes the wrong turn leads to the right path.
When you were five, what did you want to be when you grew up?
My journey to becoming a TV Presenter.
Dorothy was a bright-eyed five-year-old with a big personality and an even bigger dream. She loved watching TV, especially the news and talk shows, and was fascinated by the presenters. They seemed so confident, so charismatic, and so much fun!
One day, while watching her favourite TV show, Dorothy turned to her mom and exclaimed, “I want to be a TV presenter when I grow up!” Her mom, smiling, asked her why. Dorothy thought for a moment before responding, “Because I want to meet new people, tell interesting stories, and make people smile!”
Dorothy’s mom was impressed by her daughter’s clarity and enthusiasm. She encouraged Dorothy to pursue her dream and even helped her practice her presentation skills in front of the mirror.
As Dorothy grew older, her passion for TV presenting only grew stronger. She joined her school’s drama club, participated in debates, and even created her own YouTube channel, where she posted videos about her favourite books, movies, and hobbies.
After completing high school, Dorothy enrolled in a broadcasting course, determined to turn her childhood dream into a reality. She worked hard, interned at a local TV station, and built a portfolio of her work.
Years later, Dorothy landed her first job as a TV presenter on a popular morning show. She was nervous but excited, and her mom was in the audience, beaming with pride.
As the cameras rolled, Dorothy smiled brightly and introduced the show, her voice confident and clear. She had achieved her childhood dream, and it felt amazing!
Dorothy’s story spread like wildfire, inspiring countless young girls and boys to chase their dreams, no matter how big or small they may seem. Dorothy, now a successful TV presenter, continued to shine, spreading joy and positivity to audiences everywhere.
Why do so many foreigners go to Uganda and think Uganda is good? I am a black American and travelled to Uganda for ten days last year.
For the most part, the country is good. However, it is not all good….
So, as my first trip to the continent, I wanted to go to a sub-Saharan country that was relatively safe and peaceful. I went to Rwanda first for a couple of days and absolutely loved it. I thought Uganda would be somewhat similar, but I was wrong. Unlike most foreigners that come for only the national parks, I wanted to get out and understand the people and the culture. Uganda did not disappoint.
The Good
Things I love about Uganda
The Food
Although the variety of the food is somewhat limited. The food overall was great. It seemed like everything I tasted was extremely fresh. I ate chicken in a village that was slaughtered moments before it was cooked and served that was the best in my life. Also I didn’t even know sweet potatoes were actually supposed to be sweet. I ate greens that was cooked and tasted better than my mother could ever dream of.( I use to love my mother greens before I went to Uganda but now I hate them). So if you like organic food then Uganda is the place to be.
2. Hospitality
The hospitality is overwhelming, and Uganda should be considered one of the most hospitable places on earth. People welcomed me with open arms and took it as an insult if I didn’t eat the food even though I was very full. Some of the younger ladies greeted me by kneeling, which I found a little odd, but I guess it’s a cultural thing.
3. The Ladies
Honestly speaking they are just gorgeous. Most of them are very curvy and feminine. A lot of them are also very smart and extremely hard working. No matter what there situation is they are going to present themselves well and I found them easier to connect with than most of the ladies in the U.S.
4. Nature
I’m not sure if there is another area of the world with the same size as Uganda that have the diversity of wildlife as Uganda have. I didn’t go to any national parks but there are 10 national parks in the country. If you are an animal lover this is your dream country to visit. Also you can see the rare silver back Gorillas in their natural habitat.
The Bad
Things I didn’t understand or disappointed me about my visit.
Pollution
One of the first things I noticed after arriving in Entebbe and driving to Kampala was the trash everywhere. Initially, I thought someone must come by and clean the streets every day or something. But no, as my time progressed, it became apparent that this is the norm. I was so appalled when I was on a bus, and the conductor threw a trash can full on the road. Also the air pollution is very high, especially in Kampala. It seemed to me that the majority of the vehicles were very old or old designs that had no regard for CO2 output. I read somewhere that most of the vehicles are second hand from China.
3. Traffic/ Transportation
Traffic Jam
It’s terrible, especially in Kampala. I consider myself a really savy traveller, and I try to use public transportation as much as possible. However, i found the taxi system too unreliable, uncomfortable, and confusing. There were also the motor bikes that could take you around, and I was amazed at how much they could fit on them. But please take at your own risk.
4 Infrastructure
River Nile Bridge
I found this to be the saddest part of my trip because Uganda has a lot of work to do here. I am happy that the River Nile Bridge was built, but hopefully, this is a sign of things to come. However, most of the roads are dilapidated and unpaved. Also, there is a lot of work to be done on creating a viable national and efficient electric grid and water treatment facilities.
Overall, I loved my time there. I love it so much I even fell in love and found a fiance over there. I have great hope for the country and can’t wait to go back.
Daya Let's Talk 