Peter Muthusi
Stacks of Memories
Walk around campus these days, and you'll see a place that is bursting with energy and growth. Since your time at ISK, it's likely the trees have grown a bit taller and a couple buildings have popped up. It's exciting to see, but at the same time it could be a little hard to find something familiar.
Until you walk into the library.
Maybe it's the smell of so many books that bring back memories, maybe the quiet hush of students studying. But more than likely, it's the face of Peter Muthusi. Smiling behind the circulation desk, Muthusi extends his hand in a warm greeting and says, "Give me a minute, I know I'll remember your name..." Within minutes, he's pulled out yearbooks from your days at ISK and the two of you are flipping through pages, recalling names and stories of students and teachers.
You've found the school you remember.
Ask Muthusi why he thinks so many alumni love visiting him in the library, he simply shrugs. "I am not a very popular guy while students attend here," he says. "I am very firm with them and don't let them take out more books than they are allowed. But maybe once they are older, they look back and are grateful I expected them to obey the rules. Maybe they are glad I held them to those standards." He laughs when alumni tell him years later that they snuck books out of the library without his noticing.
We sat down with Muthusi recently and asked about his thoughts on ISK - past and present.
So when did you come to work at ISK?
Officially 1992 but 1988 for the first time.
Did you always work in the library?
No. I did some casual work for the first part but from 1992 I started working at the library. I started as a bus monitor and did a bit of janitorial work.
What do you like best about your job?
I love dealing with students and of course getting their information needs met - getting to know different characters of a student and also the psychological aspects involved in a student as they grow. Information is power, and I love getting informed about facts of various knowledge disciplines, especially psychology.
What do you think of ISK having a new library soon?
Amazing! This is a milestone in the history of the school. It will be an excellent information center for the 21st century ISK student. I belive it is going to be beautiful.
What are some of your favorite memories?
I can't forget my first boss Nancy Woodward and another one was Mr. Crandell - they were awsome people. Nancy encouraged me to learn about librarianship, and I've come to really respect different writers/authors. These are people who keep us moving.
Do you have any favorite students that you remember?
Yes, many students have had a good rapport with me. I have dealt with almost all on a personal level across the three schools (ES,MS & HS). A student like Warren Buford and Sven Verwiel. Marc Goss, Ian Giddings, Binetti Vitta. I can't remember all names, but they are many.
What is it like for you when students come back to school and remember you?
Great! I feel so happy. Some come and ask from the school gate to see me - simply because they can only remember me. I feel like I have touched their lives in one way or another. This is one aspect that keeps me at ISK. I have learned so much about life in general from this community and especially the students.
What do you think are the best things about ISK?
The fact that I don't need to go away to be able to meet people from other continents. The diverse nationalities and different cultures and creed of people, and the sophisticated nature of the school. The wonderful facilities and above all the lovely people. ISK is a good employer no doubt about this!
