Refugee to Solicitor: Kiyala Matanga on the importance of vision, support and identity.

We had the pleasure of speaking with Kiyala Matanga, a remarkable individual whose journey from being a refugee to becoming a future trainee solicitor is nothing short of inspirational. As the campus vice president at the University of Law and an SQE student, Kiyala embodies the spirit of resilience and determination that is essential for anyone pursuing a career in law.We kicked off by discussing Kiyala's background and the importance of environment in shaping one's future. She shared how her family instilled in her the belief that limitations are self-imposed, which has fueled her ambition to succeed in the legal field. We explored the significance of surrounding oneself with supportive and ambitious individuals, emphasising the idea that you are often the average of the five people you spend the most time with.Kiyala's insights into networking were particularly enlightening. She recounted her initial experiences in business networking, which helped her develop the confidence to connect with professionals in the legal sector. We discussed the importance of building a strong online presence, particularly on platforms like LinkedIn, and how authenticity in one's posts can foster genuine connections. Kiyala shared her journey of enhancing her LinkedIn profile, which ultimately led to fruitful interactions with legal professionals who were eager to help her.Throughout our discussion, we touched on the challenges faced by aspiring lawyers, particularly those from non-traditional backgrounds. Kiyala's perspective on overcoming adversity and the importance of mindset resonated deeply. She highlighted that while there may be societal stereotypes about who can succeed in law, it is crucial to focus on one's own path and not be deterred by external noise.We  delved into the significance of setting clear goals and having a vision for one's career. Kiyala shared her personal experiences of how a lack of clarity in her own path initially led to a longer journey toward becoming a solicitor. However, she emphasised that having a vision can significantly increase one's chances of success, as it provides direction and motivation.You can follow Kiyala on the following links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiyala-matanga-84281b217?originalSubdomain=ukhttps://www.instagram.com/kiyalamatanga/Join the Barristerhood on Facebook to join our monthly lives where you can ask questions in real time.https://www.facebook.com/groups/375293944477781/Sign up to the mailing list for the Pupillage Programme:https://mailchi.mp/483601e8219a/diary-of-a-pupilFollow us on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/diaryofa_barrister/Follow us on Tiktokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@diaryofa_barristerFollow us on Twitterhttps://x.com/diaryofa_BarrisFollow us on Threadshttps://www.threads.net/@diaryofa_barristerFollow us on Linkedinhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsea-brooke-ward500/