My name is Jane Mussa Pharles, I was born in June 1997 in Songea District, Ruvuma Region, Tanzania. My academic journey began at Misufini Primary School, and later I joined St. Agnes Chipole Girls’ Secondary School in 2010. I completed my O-Level studies in 2013 and went on to study at Iringa Girls High School, taking the CBG combination (Chemistry, Biology, Geography), and graduated in 2016.

From a young age, I had a strong desire to work in the health sector. It was my dream career, and I truly believed that was my calling. However, life took a different turn after high school when I couldn’t get a chance to continue with health related college studies. I was disappointed, confused, and unsure of what to do next. But as it is often said, “When one door closes, another one opens.”

I made a bold and difficult decision to shift to the maritime sector. In 2016, I joined the Fisheries Education and Training Agency (FETA) Mbegani for a Diploma in Masterfisherman. The beginning was tough. For the first three months, I struggled to accept my new path. But with time, I started seeing purpose and growth in the field I had chosen. Slowly, I connected with the maritime profession and began to love it. “Sometimes, the most unexpected journey leads to the most beautiful destination.”

In 2018, after completing my diploma with excellent performance, I was admitted to Dar es Salaam Maritime Institute (DMI) for a Bachelor Degree in Marine Transport and Nautical Science, a four years course. I worked hard, stayed focused, and fully committed myself to becoming a competent marine officer. The challenges were many, but I always reminded myself that “Success doesn’t come to you, you go to it.”

In 2022, I graduated and was fortunate to be selected for the Global Onboard Training (GOBT) program in South Korea, a three month sea time training opportunity conducted from May 2023 to July 2023. The experience changed my life. It gave me hands on knowledge, exposure to global maritime practices, mentorship from experts, and a new level of confidence. “Experience is not just what happens to you, it’s what you do with what happens to you.”

After completing GOBT, I was offered a position by Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (BSM), a German ship management company. I now serve as a Deck Cadet officer, and my work takes me across the oceans. It’s a great opportunity to apply what I have learned and continue growing professionally. Every day at sea teaches me something new and strengthens my passion for the maritime world.

Apart from working at sea, I also serve as a staff member at Dar es Salaam Maritime Institute (DMI). Teaching and mentoring young people is something I truly enjoy. It feels good to give back, to guide students, especially girls, and show them what is possible through hard work and determination. “Be the person you needed when you were younger.”

I have come to love the maritime sector deeply. What started as an unexpected turn has become my calling. I believe there is a great future for women in this field, and I want to be part of that change. My dream is to inspire, lead, and contribute to building a strong, skilled, and confident generation of Tanzanian and African maritime professionals. “Don’t be afraid to start over. It’s a chance to build something better this time.”

Looking back, I’m proud of every step I’ve taken, even the difficult ones. Each challenge prepared me for the next level. I’m still learning, still growing, and I believe the best is yet to come.Always remember “Your story could be the key that unlocks someone else’s prison, Share it.”