Annette Kiza Serwanga

(interview by Irene Serwanga)

Education: Sacramento High School

                     Patten University

Abstract: Annette Kiza Serwanga was born in Uganda, Kampala on November 5, 1980. At the age of two months Annette along with her mother and three older brothers left for America. Her mother, Robina Serwanga, had hopes of better opportunities and a more comfortable life style for her children. Annette’s father Patrick was not present emotionally in her life, so she relied on her mother for guidance.

Robina’s highest level of education was a high school diploma received in Uganda. In America, Robina’s lack of experience academically left her working two blue collar jobs to provide for her family. Annette’s mother worked two jobs and could offer no specific academic aid, but displayed a great work ethic. Annette realized her mothers sacrifice through hard work and recognized the dedication of her mother by her risk taking for others.

Led by example of her mother, Annette tried her best in everything that she did. She excelled in sports at Sacramento High School and was offered several college scholarships. Robina always encouraged her children to go to college but she never pressured Annette to pursue a higher education. All her mother could offer her was encouragement because she was unable to help her physically with her homework. The American school criteria was very different from her mother’s African background.

Annette’s parents’ unstable relationship as well as her mothers and teachers encouragement greatly affected her academic life. Annette had low confidence in her abilities as a student, but her high school teachers’ encouragement as well as her mother’s helped her recognize her potential. Eventually Annette accepted a scholarship to Patten College. When she left for college she was not homesick but she felt as though she were abandoning the responsibilities of home. It was easier for her older brothers to leave for college because they did not have as much responsibility for their younger siblings as she did, being the oldest female. Ultimately she majored in English and decided she wanted to be a teacher. In receiving her bachelors degree Annette took it upon herself to excel in college to positively contribute knowledge to the community.

Keywords: Scholarship, African American, female, responsibilities, risk-taking for others