Sarah Hassan, famously known for her stage name Tanya, has gone off local TV screens – at least for the next few years – to focus on further studies in the US.
The former Tahidi High actress and Discovery +254 programme host on NTV has moved to Los Angeles to pursue her studies in film and TV at the New York Film Academy where the soft spoken thespian has secured admission. Her life takes a new course as she sidesteps her Actuarial Science degree from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) to build upon her acting talent.
She revealed on her blog that she had been waiting for the opportunity for long and becomes one of the few Kenyans to study film at a higher level. “Immediately I started to work,” she wrote, “I started saving up for school fees and two years ago, I started filling out my application. Every other day I used to look at my application and work harder.”
She narrated how early last year her fiancé encouraged her to send in an application which was eventually accepted. “I wouldn’t have been able to get this far without my mum, dad and my entire family who have always been there for me, supporting me every step of the way, not forgetting my closest friends, yes… you know who you are.”
Her travel and education is being funded by Martin Dale, her fiancé who in 2015 broke the hearts of many Kenyan men who had hots for Tanya after he won her heart. “To top it off when Martin, the love of my life, the amazing man who has supported me in everything I do, asked me to marry him, he also surprised me by getting two tickets to L.A, his and mine, he decided to move with me as I study and try to pursue my dream and I love him more for that,” Tanya revealed.
2015 was best year for her
Tanya says she is excited that her dream is finally coming true. Tanya had a wonderful year in 2015 as good things came her way. She won Best Host for Discovery +254 at the Kalasha Awards, walked away with best journalist of the year at the Swahili Fashion week, got to work with Jokate Mwegelo from Tanzania on Maisha Max, her boyfriend proposed to her and, now, the chance to study at the New York Film Academy.
“So here I am, in L.A, about to begin this amazing journey, hoping for the best as I go back to school to study what I love. Thanks for the support and much love to you all. Life is about taking chances, trying new things, having fun, making mistakes and learning from it,” Tanya said.
