I feel privileged to be among the last Class Eight candidates. Brothers and sisters, being the last Standard Eight 'army', we have a door ahead to either joy or sorrow.
Joy because of the opportunity to bring down the curtain on the 8-4-4 system of education honourably, by registering, if possible, a record KCPE exam performance. Anxiety on the other hand, comes from knowing that we have no possibility of repeating the class, as has been done in the past, in case of poor performance!
In any case, Competency-Based Curriculum class just behind us is as different from ours as east is from west, and connecting with its content is not easy at all, unless science will have made time-travel possible! This is not to mention the humiliating possibility of studying with our brothers and sisters who are half our age. We could look as old as Methuselah to them. We are happy to know that the government plans to realise 100 per cent transition of students.
By working hard and smart and cooperating with our teachers towards the noble goal of great academic performance, there is probably no need to fear. For me, this is not the time to see how close I can stay on the edge of failure, but to push as hard as possible to the centre of success.
It is this year when, more than any other time, the proverbial saying of 'Forward ever backward never' must apply. We have no choice but to have a positive attitude even towards the subjects we do not fancy.
I learnt this the hard way recently. I had developed a very negative attitude towards a certain subject (details withheld to avoid offending the teacher). Soon, I was almost leading from the tail in the subject.
Putting my fear aside, I approached my teacher who gave me very useful advice and strategy. In no time, the result of developing passion and interest in this subject was seen in much better examination results. I realised that a negative attitude would lead me anywhere else but towards success.
Let us take a moment to acknowledge the sacrifices our guardians, teachers and friends have made on our behalf, and the support, motivation and encouragement they have given us. They have paid our school fees, ensured we have neat uniform and stationery.
How many times have our teachers denied themselves the chance to enjoy their forty winks to prepare us for the great examination that now lays ahead? The least we can do to appreciate all these stakeholders for their efforts. I greatly admire the pupil who set the standing KCPE record of 482 marks. I am also greatly inspired by our very learned President William Ruto, who amid many responsibilities, has managed to study up to PhD level. I am sure we can also do it.
My goal is to score well in KCPE and join my dream school, Kenya High School. Afterwards, I wish to become an architect, and a writer and fine painter on the side.
One day in future, I hope to meet my friends again, and happily reminisce our experience as the last 8-4-4 group, just as we hear some of our parents claim their place as the pioneers of that educational system. Best wishes of good health and success to all of us!
-Wanjiru is a pupil at Roots Academy in Nakuru
