By Janet Wambua
Culture Week at Athi River Campus is off to a bumpy start, and if you ask some students, it feels more like “Business Week.” Instead of embracing their diverse cultures, many people seem more focused on selling products. Seriously, is this Culture Week or Business Week? From the way things have kicked off, some students are starting to wonder if they missed the memo or if the theme of the week got mixed up with Business Week instead.
“Honestly, I expected cultural exhibitions or performances. Maybe some traditional food or dances? But everywhere I look, people are just selling stuff,” one student grumbled. “It’s like I walked into a flea market!”
On the first day, instead of cultural performances or vibrant displays of tradition, most of the action involved selling. Yes, you read that right, students selling everything from clothes, and perfumes to random products. The campus was filled with pop-up stalls, making it feel like a mini-business fair rather than a cultural showcase.
“I came to embrace my culture, not buy perfumes and soaps,” one baffled student said with a laugh.
The drama didn’t stop there. Day one kicked off with “Career Wear” as the dress code of the day, but let’s just say, the memo either didn’t reach most students or got lost somewhere along the way. Instead of the suits and sharp office outfits that were expected, most people just did, well, whatever they felt like. Suits? Office wear? Who needs them when you can rock whatever you had on when you rolled out of bed, right?
“I thought it was ‘Career Wear.’ Does being casual count as a career option?” joked another student, clearly amused by the casual vibes that dominated the campus.
Don’t get me wrong, some students really embraced the ‘Career Wear’ theme, and they looked nothing short of impressive. Sharp suits, polished shoes, sleek blazers, and tailored trousers, these students showed up ready to turn heads. You could spot them from a mile away, confidently walking around campus as if they were headed to a high stakes board meeting. The ladies, in their well-fitted blouses and elegant office attire, looked poised and professional, while the gentlemen, with their crisp ties and well-ironed shirts, made a strong case for dressing the part. I have to give credit where it’s due and I truly commend them for the effort. They brought a sense of sophistication and set the bar high for the rest of us!
But things took a slight turn today with “Urban/Casual Wear” as the theme. Finally, something people could relate to! After all, who doesn’t love dressing casually? Students nailed the look without much effort mostly because it’s how they dress every other day. So, while it wasn’t the most creative outfit display, it was at least on point.
“It’s funny how people nailed today’s dress code. Probably because it didn’t require much effort,” one optimistic student pointed out. “But I think it’s only the beginning. The week might surprise us!”
With the rest of Culture Week still ahead, some students remain hopeful, trusting the process. Who knows? Maybe things will take a more cultural turn soon. I am eagerly anticipating dance performances, storytelling, or maybe even some traditional food that doesn’t come with a price tag. Stay tuned, because who knows what surprises the week holds? By the end, we might witness creative pop-ups blending culture and business, proving that tradition and entrepreneurship are the perfect combination!
Until then, the campus is buzzing with a mix of disappointment, laughter, and a sprinkle of optimism.