By Shawna Donnell
UHCLIDIAN STAFF

This is part three of a three-part series on students who overcome adversity in pursuit of an education.

Ask Margaret Ayot how she has gotten where she is today and she'll say, "I've been lucky."

Despite many hardships and turmoil, this industrial psychology graduate student says she has risen above any expectations she ever held for herself.             Margaret Ayot
                                                                                      photo by Angela Stone

Born and raised in Kenya, Margaret came to UH-Clear Lake more than four years ago after a string of coincidences led her to America. After Margaret finished secondary (high) school, she had a year when "I did not want to do anything," Margaret said.

Once her family convinced her she needed to work, Margaret enrolled in a secretarial training course. She finished the two-year program in one year and went to work for a shipping company.

One and a half years later, Margaret went to work for the American owned restaurant chain, Gringo's, in Kenya. Margaret became friends with the restaurant's manager, Cheryl Trusdel, who was transferred from Austin, Texas, to Kenya.

Because of this friendship, Margaret was introduced to the idea of studying in America. Originally, Margaret did not want to come to Texas; however, Cheryl insisted her sister-in-law would be happy to let Margaret stay with her in Alvin.

Margaret did come to Alvin and began her education at Alvin Community College.

Three months later she was in her own apartment, paying bills with what she earned baby-sitting or cleaning houses.

Transferring to UH-Clear Lake seemed a natural step for Margaret as she continued her education. She graduated in December 1999 with a degree in sociology, and a deep desire to go home.

"I was so excited to go back home, but when I got there things were so different," Margaret said. "I had a lot of temporary jobs, but no one would let me work permanently."

A little more than a year later, Margaret decided to come back to UH-Clear Lake.

Currently she is working on a master's degree in industrial psychology with plans to graduate in December 2003.

Margaret has had a variety of jobs on campus and now works in the Office of Institutional Effectiveness.

"She is determined to succeed," said Carol Kominski, executive director for institutional effectiveness.

Margaret's drive to succeed comes from memories of her mother, who passed away many years ago. Her mother stressed the importance of a woman getting an education and being independent.

"Whenever I get stressed or I feel like I can't do something, I think of what she would say, and that helps me to keep going," Margaret said.

Co-worker Kim Estep agrees.

"She goes the extra mile, is always dependable and is always smiling," Estep said.

One of Margaret's main concerns is for the international student community on the campus of UH-Clear Lake.

"I have been lucky," Margaret said. "I've had help, but there are many who are here without any help. People have a misconception that international students come from rich families. That is not true. In many cases, international students sacrifice a lot to be here."

One way to help international students, says Margaret, is simply to smile. She says making the transition to a foreign country is hard enough, but not having friends makes it harder.

Top of Page | Front Page