Under the relentless scroll of social feeds and the constant hum of campus chatter, many Mount Kigali University students have been caught in a silent crisis: the urge to mimic their peers’ paths to “success,” often at the cost of their own purpose and peace. But a new student development program is quietly transforming that culture, helping young people reclaim their true identity story at a time.
Pressure to copy- and its consequences
On any given day at Mount Kigali University, it’s easy to feel behind. Social media posts glitter with classmates advertising “quick wins” in reselling, crypto, or dropshipping. WhatsApp groups buzz with updates about who’s making money on the side.
For second-year student Aline*, the pressure was overwhelming. “You feel as if you’re not busy chasing the next money idea, you’re already a failure,” she confides.
But what happens when students follow trends that don’t truly fit them? According to the Student Development Office, the consequences are stark: rising debt, academic struggles, and high stress.
“Not all money is good money,” says Ms. Ange Mukamana, a student counselor. “It’s not worth sacrificing your well-being or your values just to keep up.”
A turning point: Introducing the purpose discovery workshops
Concerned by these trends, the university launched the Purpose Discovery Workshops this year. The initiative-spearheaded by the Student Development Office and led by Ms. Mukamana-aims to help students discover their unique strengths, set realistic goals, and resist peer pressure, particularly around money and career choices.
“At first, attendance was low,” Ms. Mukamana recalls. “But students started to realize this was a space for honesty, growth, and support-not judgment.”
The workshops are open to all and include reflection activities, discussions on ethical income generation, peer mentorship, and talent discovery exercises. Students learn that authentic comparison is the real path to success.
Real students, real growth
Roger, a final-year journalism student, knows the pressure all too well.”I almost started a clothing business just because my friends did. But I hated it and my grades suffered.” His turning point came during a workshop exercise that asked students to list what brings them genuine joy. “For me, it was writing and storytelling,” Roger shares.
Today, he runs a blog that highlights real stories from campus, a platform that’s both meaningful and profitable.
“When I stopped competing and focused on my calling, my confidence grew. I wish I’d learned that earlier.” His story isn’t the only one. A science major rediscovered her passion for teaching after failing at market trading. A business student left behind an unethical hustle to start a campus recycling initiative. The theme? Success that aligns with personal values is sustainable and fulfilling. “Finding your way is slow, but it’s real,” Roger says.
Changing culture, changing lives
The workshops are beginning to shift the wider campus culture.”We now see students encouraging each other to be authentic, not just to appear successful,” says Ms. Mukamana.
Small peer mentorship circles are emerging, student clubs are focusing on value-based entrepreneurship, and even alumni are stepping in with guidance and networking support. The university’s message-“Know yourself. Know your source. Don’t copy others.”-is gaining momentum. Students are beginning to believe that true success comes from walking the path that reflects your strengths, values, and ethics.
A tip for the next generation
Mount Kigali’s new approach is spreading. Other institutions have reached out to replicate the model. Students are showing renewed enthusiasm, better academic performance, and launching sustainable, innovative projects.
For Aline*, it means peace of mind. “I’ve learned not to envy what isn’t meant for me-and to build something real for myself.”As graduation nears for many, the message resonates louder than ever: In a world obsessed with imitation, the bravest act is living your truth.
