I love moulding students

Patricia Wangui, 24, loves being a teacher. She spoke to Allan Olingo about what it takes to build a successful teaching career

What and where do you teach?

I am an English and Literature teacher at Nyagatugu Boys High School in Muranga.

How do you find your job?

As much as it can be hectic, it is interesting. At the end of the day, it is worth every effort. As a teacher, you always have to strive to attain a good mean score for your subject. If possible, you have to start from Form One and nurture your students all through to Form Four. You also have to think about the other aspects of your students’ life. It is interesting to learn your students’ behaviours, strengths and weakness, and help them to exploit their potential. I enjoy doing all these.

As a young female teacher, how do you handle the boys?

I have the most disciplined students in my current school unlike my former school where the boys were cheeky. Some boys in my former school would write suggestive essays to get my attention. Some would giggle when I entered the class. I understand that they are teenagers, but I also define the boundaries with them.

What has been your best moment as a teacher?

Working with my current Form Four class. I helped them prepare for exams and just like a coach, I am proud of what I have done and hope for good results. It felt good when they came to me for motivation and relied on me.

What drives you?

Good results. In this profession, your results speak for you. Seeing a student improve motivates me.

Any challenges you face?

Learning to cope and deal with different kinds of students in terms of needs, performance and character could at times be challenging.

How do you overcome such challenges?

You need to have a lot of patience and understanding to manage. I also seek the help of my experienced colleagues, which has been very instrumental.

What was your first job?

My first job was an internship at the Kenya Institute of Education. This was after my university and I wanted to build a foundation in the education sector. I also did a World Bank funded project that was in collaboration with the Ministry of Water at the Murera Sisal Estate in Ruiru. I proofread documents, catalogues and digital learning materials.

What was your childhood dream?

As a little girl, I wanted to be an air hostess. It looked fun and I loved the pretty dresses and skirts they wore.

Where did you go to school?

I went to Pangani Primary School and later Chogoria Girls’ High School. I joined Kenyatta University in 2007 for a Bachelor’s degree in Education, with a speciality in English and Literature.

Do you plan to stay in the teaching profession until retirement?

I want to advance and get a Masters and Doctorate degree. The job market is very competitive and one degree is not enough. Hopefully, I will move into a management position after getting my PhD, but within the education sector.

Most of your age mates fret about getting into the teaching career. What can you tell them?

It is not as bad as some people make it. When you decide to train for a particular profession, have the passion to go all the way. Teaching, just like any other profession, is lucrative and satisfying. It all depends on how you play your cards.

What are your hobbies?

I love reading novels, playing basketball, watching movies, travelling, listening to music and knitting.