Podcast Summary: The Moth – International Women's Month: Alexandra Rochester & Kendi Nderitu

Release Date: March 1, 2019

Introduction

In celebration of International Women's Month, The Moth presents an inspiring episode featuring two compelling stories from women hailing from different corners of the globe. Hosted by Dan Kennedy, this episode delves into personal narratives that highlight resilience, empowerment, and the transformative power of education. Alexandra Rochester shares her journey as a ski instructor in a male-dominated industry, while Kendi Nderitu recounts her struggle and triumph in pursuing education amidst adversity.

Alexandra Rochester: Empowering Young Girls on the Slopes

Timestamp: 03:16 – 08:25

Alexandra Rochester opens her story by reflecting on her decision to forgo a conventional career path post-university, choosing instead to become a ski instructor in Western Canada. She paints a vivid picture of her responsibilities: teaching skiing to young children under harsh winter conditions, ensuring their safety, and making the lessons enjoyable despite the grueling environment.

One of the pivotal moments in her narrative involves her group of seven-year-old girls, whom she affectionately describes as "eight small, erratic, excitable, clumsy, whining, tired, adorable children." Alexandra emphasizes the challenge of balancing safety with fostering their skiing skills, especially as each child progresses at a different rate.

A significant turning point occurs when Alexandra grapples with advice from her male colleagues to instill competitiveness among her students. She recounts her internal conflict:

“I was tired of competing, I was tired of it feeling like skiing was about being better than somebody else.” (04:45)

Rejecting the competitive approach, Alexandra seeks an alternative method to inspire her students. Her breakthrough comes during a chairlift ride where she decides to use music as a motivational tool. She introduces songs like Katy Perry's "Roar" and Taylor Swift's "Fearless," which become anthems that empower the girls to confront their fears.

The culmination of her efforts is beautifully illustrated when she leads her students up a challenging Black Diamond run. Facing their fears, the girls successfully navigate the difficult slope, resulting in moments of pure joy and self-realization. Alexandra observes:

“There was a specific kind of smile they get when they've got two scoops of ice cream or they've met Mickey Mouse or they've had fun. But that day I got to see the smile when they realized they'd accessed their own superpowers.” (07:50)

This experience not only boosts the girls' confidence but also reaffirms Alexandra's belief in fostering intrinsic motivation over external competition. Her story underscores the impact of mentorship and the importance of creating supportive environments for young girls to thrive.

Notable Insights:

• The significance of non-competitive encouragement in education.
• The role of music and positive reinforcement in building confidence.
• Challenging gender norms within professional settings.

Kendi Nderitu: Triumph Through Education in Adverse Circumstances

Timestamp: 09:18 – 15:30

Kendi Nderitu's narrative transports listeners to a rural village in Kenya, where she and her mother are compelled to relocate from the city due to dwindling resources. As a "city girl" accustomed to modern amenities, Kendi faces immediate and profound challenges adapting to village life, including limited access to clean water, electricity, and education.

The story delves into Kendi's struggles with social acceptance as she becomes the target of relentless bullying by local children. Their taunts escalate from mockery of her language skills to physical aggression, culminating in instances where stones are thrown at her, resulting in injuries. This hostile environment fuels Kendi's determination to excel academically as a means of escaping the village.

A pivotal moment in her story occurs during the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education examinations in November 1993. Kendi describes the intense anticipation and anxiety leading up to her results:

“I was anxious, worried, tense. What if I didn't do too well? What if I was confined to life in the village like I had done so many other times in the last month.” (13:45)

Her hard work pays off when she scores 500 marks, securing her admission to her dream school. The revelation of her success is met with unexpected applause from the very children who once tormented her. This transformation illustrates the profound impact of academic achievement on personal identity and social standing.

“This was the first time that I had known the joy of achievement, the joy of success. I understood then the power of being celebrated.” (14:30)

Kendi's story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of education. Her journey from exclusion and adversity to triumph emphasizes the critical role that education plays in empowering individuals to overcome societal barriers.

Notable Insights:

• The role of education as a catalyst for personal and social transformation.
• Overcoming adversity through perseverance and academic excellence.
• The impact of societal recognition on self-esteem and future opportunities.

Conclusion

This episode of The Moth serves as a powerful homage to the resilience and strength of women worldwide. Through the heartfelt stories of Alexandra Rochester and Kendi Nderitu, listeners are reminded of the profound impact that education, mentorship, and supportive environments have on personal growth and empowerment. Celebrating International Women's Month, these narratives not only inspire but also highlight the ongoing struggles and triumphs faced by women in diverse settings.

The Moth continues to champion gender equity and women's rights, offering a platform for voices that articulate the complexities of their experiences. For more stories and information on international women's narratives, visit themoth.org.

Notable Quotes:

• Alexandra Rochester (04:45): “I was tired of competing, I was tired of it feeling like skiing was about being better than somebody else.”

• Alexandra Rochester (07:50): “There was a specific kind of smile they get when they've got two scoops of ice cream or they've met Mickey Mouse or they've had fun. But that day I got to see the smile when they realized they'd accessed their own superpowers.”

• Kendi Nderitu (13:45): “I was anxious, worried, tense. What if I didn't do too well? What if I was confined to life in the village like I had done so many other times in the last month.”

• Kendi Nderitu (14:30): “This was the first time that I had known the joy of achievement, the joy of success. I understood then the power of being celebrated.”

Additional Resources:

• Alexandra Rochester: Alexandra transitioned from ski instructing to careers in baking, radio production, and writing. She is currently developing a novel about life in a mountain town.

• Kendi Nderitu: With over 14 years in the IT industry, Kendi is the founder of She Goes Tech, mentoring young girls in science-related fields. She also conducts storytelling workshops through The Moth's Global Community Program.

For more information on The Moth and to explore additional stories, visit themoth.org.