To call Athens a bustling metropolis would be a bit of a stretch. But, for Leonard Mjomba, it's the closest he has ever come to living in the big city.
Mjomba, 40, was born in the village of Mombasa in Kenya. He came to Athens in fall 1998 intending to earn his master's degree in African Studies at Ohio University.
He was supposed to stay in Athens for only five quarters, but Mjomba immediately felt a connection to the city.
There's some magic about Athens. You just come
and you don't go back Mjomba said.
Although Athens is larger than both Voi and Mombasa, the villages where Mjomba grew up, he said he still sees connections between them.
(Athens) has that village feel that college town feel. At the same time
I like that it brings a lot of international students around. It's the world at your doorstep
Mjomba said.
Mjomba became interested in studying in Athens after meeting an OU student, an African Studies major who came to Kenya as part of an intern program.
I showed him the night life in Voi
the places to go to see animals
and he introduced me to Athens
said Mjomba.
Mjomba, who graduated with a bachelor's degree in education from Kenyatta University in Kenyan capital Nairobi, was already teaching in Kenya when he decided to come to Ohio University.
Although he considered studying education, Mjomba ultimately opted for a major in African Studies at OU.
I was still trying to find out if I wanted to continue with teaching
Mjomba said.
As he finished his master's degree, Mjomba set his sights on earning his doctorate in Communications at the same time, beginning in fall 2000.
Because the graduate program at OU requires students to do some teaching or research during their tenure, Mjomba is currently teaching Communication Studies 103, which he has been teaching for three quarters.
I think he really enjoys what he's teaching. He makes it so I don't fall asleep in his class
said OU junior Dan White, a student in Mjomba's class.
Sophomore Dave Barkett agreed. He's a pretty interesting guy. You could learn a lot from him. You can learn a little extra
even though it's not planned
