Defying the Odds: Yusuf Abdi’s Inspirational Climb to Success

He still lives by his grandmother's words. Years have since passed, but he says those words were more than just advice; they were a guiding light that illuminated the path he walked every day. His grandmother’s lessons transcended time, echoing in his heart, soul, and mind, reminding him of the values she instilled in him and who he is. One of the most profound advice his grandmother had imparted was the importance of hard work, discipline, and prayer. Yusuf Abdi embraced this advice wholeheartedly and consistently approached his endeavors with unwavering determination. Behind the smile he wears every day, lies a story of resilience. Yusuf Abdi, our stock inventory clerk, was born and raised in Nairobi. During his early stages of life, he attended Central Primary School in Eldoret town, where he lived with his grandmother, a time he regards as being one of his memorable moments. His school life was a blend of challenges and opportunities that shaped his character and intellect. During the KCPE National exams, he excelled, booking a spot at Abrar High School in Eldoret town. Yusuf narrates that his high school life was notable. He recounts representing his school at the national football championship, where he played as a midfielder. His love for football was undeniable and unyielding. From the moment he could walk, Yusuf was drawn to the sport like a moth to a flame. The school's dusty playground became his sacred ground, where he would spend countless hours honing his skills and perfecting his game. Even though he loved football, education was a factor that drove him out of his limits since he wanted to make his grandmother proud. After Four years at Abrar High School, Yusuf sat for his KCSE national exams, where he once again excelled. He secured an admission to Kabarak University where he pursued a bachelor’s degree in commerce. Unfortunately, due to lack of finances, Yusuf could not join University immediately. Luckily, he got a sponsor who agreed to cater for his university education where he graduated with a second-class honor. It was now time for him to look for a job. He realized sooner than later that this was not an easy task. Yusuf could only secure odd jobs and after a while, he got an internship at an Animal feeds store for three months. He was back to being unemployed and to keep himself busy, he helped his father run his business. One fine morning, as he was scrolling through an advertisment, he saw an internship post for a stock inventory clerk at 748 Air Services. He applied and was lucky to get an interview where he emerged as the best candidate and secured the position. Yusuf has since risen through the ranks from an Intern to a fulltime employee of 748 Air Services as a stock inventory clerk in the parts department. “The most exciting part about my job is that I get to interact with different aircraft parts and learn something new every day. It is exhilarating when an aircraft comes to the hangar, and I get to coordinate the parts required. I get to witness engineers in action and when they release an aircraft back to the skies, it makes me proud to be part of the team that ensured its air worthiness.” He stated. When asked what role he plays in ensuring safety within his department, He said “I diligently follow our Standard of procedures (SOPs) in order to avoid mishaps like ordering a wrong part number. When a wrong part number is fixed on an aircraft, it can lead to dire consequences.” Yusuf recognizes that safety isn't just a matter of following regulations but a mindset that should permeate every aspect of an airline operation. He leads by example by emphasizing the importance of safety to his colleagues in his department and other staff. His advice to his peers, “While pursuing your dreams and aspirations, remember the difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength or knowledge, but rather a lack in will. The unwavering will to work hard, day in and day out, sets those who achieve their goals apart from the rest."