Meet Michelle Lemuya, an Award-Winning Young Lead Actress From The Internationally Acclaimed Movie “NAWI”

Written by: Admin_SheEvo

Hello, my name is Michelle Lemuya Ikeny, and I’m 14 years old. Growing up in Turkana, one of Kenya’s arid and semi-arid lands (ASAL regions), I’ve seen firsthand how challenges can make success seem out of reach. But despite these difficulties, I’ve always dared to dream big.

From a young age, I chose not to let my background limit me. When I was in eighth grade, I took a huge leap of faith and auditioned for the lead role in the film NAWI. To my surprise, I landed the role, and the film has since become a huge success, even earning a Kenyan Oscar submission. My performance also earned me the prestigious Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Young/Promising Actress in Africa.

This journey hasn’t been easy, though. Being both a child actress and a student comes with its own set of challenges. Balancing the demands of schoolwork with my acting career often feels like a constant juggling act. Yet, I remain committed to excelling in both areas because I know the importance of education and pursuing your passion.

Along the way, I’ve faced some tough moments. After joining a new high school in Nairobi, I encountered a different kind of challenge: bullying. Some of my classmates mocked my dark skin, my roots, and even called me ugly. While I know that true beauty comes from within, the words still hurt. They lingered in my mind, like an unwelcome shadow, and affected how I saw myself.

But I’ve learned that these words do not define who I am. It’s not always easy to brush off negativity, but I’ve come to understand that self-worth comes from within, not from what others say. We all have our own unique journeys, and no one else’s opinion should hold power over our dreams or our sense of self.

My message to anyone who may be facing similar struggles is simple: Believe in yourself. No matter where you come from, no matter the obstacles you face, keep dreaming big. Stay true to who you are, and remember that with faith, commitment, and the support of those who love and believe in you, anything is possible.

We all have the ability to shape our own futures, and it starts with believing that we are worthy of success. With God by your side, there are no limits to what you can achieve. Keep pushing forward, no matter the setbacks. You are stronger than you think.

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