Category: Life

ITS NOT COOL TO BE A LOSER.

GO TO SCHOOL , GRADUATE, GET YOUR OWN.

Graduating in Journalism and Mass Communication felt like closing one beautiful chapter and opening another one full of dreams.

I joined YMCA in May 2023 as a hopeful girl with big dreams and a small notebook. I graduated on 27th February 2026 at YMCA Buwambo Main Campus as a proud young journalist. That journey alone deserves a standing ovation!

That morning, I woke up at exactly 5:00am. Not because of an alarm… but because of excitement! My heart was beating like breaking news on live TV. The first thing I did was kneel down and thank the Almighty God. I said, “Lord, this is Your doing.” It was such a peaceful and powerful moment.

After that, I took my shower like a serious graduate — no more “five minutes extra sleep” like during lectures. I had my breakfast properly (for once, no rushing like during exam days). Then came the serious business — dressing up!

My suit was waiting for me, looking important. My mom and my sister Harriet helped me dress. Eeeh! The way they were adjusting my collar and fixing everything, you would think I was going to meet the President. My mom kept looking at me with proud eyes. Harriet was smiling like she had graduated herself. That moment was full of love and happiness.

At exactly 6:30am, my uncle called to say it was time to set off. We got into the car, and I was already wearing my full graduation wear. Sitting there, adjusting my gown and cap, I looked at myself and said softly, “This is the day that the Lord has made.” And honestly, I felt it deep in my heart.

When we reached the campus, everything looked different — beautiful, colorful, and full of joy. My mom and uncle found their seats, and I went to sit with my fellow journalism graduates. My friends looked stunning! Makeup on point, heels high, suits sharp — we were dressed to kill! Jackie, Leticia, Esther, Shanitah, Owen, Roman, Joan and the rest — we were shining like stars. You could feel the happiness in the air.

Then came the moment.
My name — Nanyonjo Dorothy — was read by the Head of Department, Madam Kanyago Jackie. When I heard my name, my heart jumped! The crowd shouted, clapped, and cheered. I felt like a celebrity on a red carpet. I walked confidently, smiling, trying not to cry and not to trip in my heels at the same time. That moment? Pure happiness!

After the ceremony, the real journalism started — interviews, but this time it was pictures! Snaps everywhere! Phones, cameras, people calling my name, “Dorothy, over here!” Eeeh, it was too much — but the good kind of too much. My cheeks were even tired from smiling.

Later, we went to Cafe Javas for lunch. The food tasted sweeter than usual because it was seasoned with success. As we were enjoying the meal, something unexpected happened. The crew workers came in with a cake and gifts, congratulating me! I was surprised! I felt so loved. I almost cried again — but happy tears this time.

That day was not just about getting a certificate. It was about hard work, sleepless nights, assignments, presentations, laughter with friends, and prayers from my family. It was about growth. It was about becoming.
I felt proud. I felt thankful. I felt happy — the kind of happiness that fills your heart and makes you smile for no reason.

From waking up at 5am to cutting cake at Cafe Javas, it was truly a fantastic day. A day full of love, laughter, family, friendship, and achievement.

And as I look back, I smile and say — it was worth it. Every single moment. 🎓✨
CLOSE YET UNEXPLORED.

Name an attraction or town close to home that you still haven’t got around to visiting.

There is a town close to home that I still dream of visiting properly, Rukungiri, in Western Uganda.

Rukungiri is often described as a quiet place, but once you listen closely, you realize it is full of life. The town is surrounded by rolling green hills, fresh air, and warm, welcoming people who make visitors feel like family. Everywhere you look, nature seems to breathe—lush landscapes stretch into the distance, and the atmosphere carries the true spirit of Ugandan culture.

Rukungiri Town acts as a gateway to some of Uganda’s most exciting tourist attractions. Just a short distance away lies Bwindi Impenetrable National Park,

one of the most famous destinations in the country, known worldwide for gorilla trekking. Visitors from all over the world travel there to walk through thick forests and come face-to-face with mountain gorillas in their natural habitat—an experience often described as life-changing.

Closer to town, adventure continues. Local rivers offer Sana Gorilla Rafting, where visitors can enjoy thrilling water rides while taking in the beauty of the surrounding scenery. For those who prefer calm moments, Lake Kimbugu in Nyarushanje provides a peaceful escape—a perfect place for relaxation, picnics, and reflection.

Rukungiri District also holds hidden gems like the Kigezi Wildlife Game Reserve, established in 1952. The reserve covers wide savanna and woodland areas and is home to animals such as elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, and sometimes lions. Nature lovers can enjoy birdwatching, hiking trails, and camping under open skies.

Another breathtaking site is Kisiizi Falls,

where water flows powerfully over rocks, creating a stunning natural view. Nearby, the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park is famous for its rare tree-climbing lions, a sight that surprises many first-time visitors.

The district also features Lake Chimu, a deep natural lake used by local fishing communities and slowly developing into a destination for water sports and leisure activities. Combined with community cultural tours, visitors get the chance to learn local traditions, food, music, and daily life.

Even though Rukungiri is close to home, it remains a place I haven’t fully explored yet. Still, its beauty, adventure, and cultural richness make it a destination that continues to call my name a reminder that sometimes the most amazing places are right beside us, waiting patiently to be discovered.

Nearby wonders, still waiting .
MY KIND OF FUN.

List five things you do for fun.

I am a girl who finds fun in the simplest, funniest, and sometimes loudest ways possible. I don’t need expensive things to be happy. My happiness lives in small moments that make me smile, laugh, or feel at peace.

First of all—let me be honest—I love sleeping. Sleeping is not just resting for me. It is an activity . When I sleep, the world disappears, stress runs away, and my bed becomes my safe place. A good sleep can fix my mood, my thoughts, and sometimes my whole life. If sleeping were a competition, I would proudly collect trophies.

When I am awake, you will most likely find me watching action and detective movies. I love movies with drama, mystery, and suspense. I enjoy trying to guess who the bad person is before the movie ends. Sometimes I get it right, sometimes I don’t—but the excitement is everything. These movies make me feel smart, brave, and entertained all at once.

Another thing that brings joy into my life is cooking. I am not a professional cookl et’s be very clear about that, but I try my best. I cook some stuff, and when it comes out good, I feel like a champion. Cooking relaxes me, keeps me busy, and gives me happiness. Even when the food is not perfect, the effort makes me proud.

One of the funniest parts of my life is arguing with my siblings. We can argue about anything—food, clothes, who touched what, or who is right and who is wrong. Sometimes it gets loud, sometimes dramatic, but it’s all love. These arguments are part of our bond, and honestly, life would be boring without them.

I also really enjoy bathing, dressing nicely, and smelling good. There is something special about a fresh bath, clean skin, nice clothes, and a sweet scent. It makes me feel confident, calm, and beautiful. It’s my little self-care moment where I feel like I’m glowing.

When I want to fully enjoy myself, I play music very loudly in the house and dance like nobody is watching. I dance freely, happily, and without care. Music gives me energy, joy, and freedom. In those moments, worries don’t exist—only rhythm and happiness.

I also love writing stories. Writing allows me to express my thoughts, feelings, and imagination. Through writing, I create worlds, emotions, and characters. It is my quiet joy, my escape, and sometimes my healing.

Other things that bring fun into my life as a girl include laughing loudly, daydreaming, being silly, talking freely, and enjoying my own company. I find fun in being myself—unapologetic, playful, and real.

I may not live a perfect life, but I know how to enjoy the little moments. I laugh, I dance, I sleep, I cook, I argue, I write, and I live. And that is my kind of fun.