After seven years, 20-year-old Amal would have never thought that her last attempt in trying to get her book published would be a good success

Amal Mohammed wears many hats. At just 20, this Kenyatta University law student thrives at design, and environmental advocacy is an author and most recently received global recognition when she was chosen as the Youth Ambassador of The Year by the African Icon Awards.

She is a native of Mandera County in the northeastern part of Kenya. She defines her background as a humble one, which nevertheless never deterred her from taking the untrodden path of writing.

At just 12 years old, she was able to complete her first book, Deception, born from her love of composition and a self-challenge to see how far she could go with her writing.

Having the book in print proved to be the biggest barrier to her dream of being a writer, taking her seven years to find a publisher. Other impediments were the lack of role models and mentors, people who could give her constructive feedback and help develop her upcoming works. Even so, all these obstacles did nothing to dissuade her.

‘Of course, I am human and I had moments when I wanted to throw in the towel. But when I looked at the impact my work had generated in people’s lives, I started looking at the bigger picture.’She admits that it matters whose words you give power to in your life. Do not give people the power to speak to your life, and do not heed everyone’s advice, as not everyone is fit to give it.

‘Learn how to filter people’s opinions, projections, and advice. At the end of the day, nobody knows what you want except you, and nobody will be sorry as you if you don’t get it.’