Dear Form 4 leaver,
You are now done and dusted. KCSE is over. So, what next? Sit and rest. When you rest, you will not rust. But as you rest, reflect. Think of how to be productive. Life is a journey, not a destination. It is a journey of self-discovery and recovery. Life begins at the innocent point of birth, and end at the pensive point of death. For victorious transition, progress and success, remember to dodge potholes, pitfalls and pratfalls in life. Before leaving the school, clear with figures of authority. Build bridges and mend fences. Forgive. Forget. Be patriotic. Be a law-abiding citizen.
Out there, in case you are 18 years and above, acquire a national ID. Apply for KRA pin certificates. Open a bank account. The three applications will be useful in acquisition of HELB and scholarships at the tertiary level of education. Opening a bank account is a breakthrough step in matters money-making. As a young adult, start thinking of how to make “moolah”. Get into legit income-generating activities. Open an email account. Begin having correspondence with serious people.
While out there, it is good to read how-to heroic books for purposes of personal development and improvement. Consequently, prioritise matters mental health and wealth. Understand mind mastery and management. Focus on correct mental inputs. Your mortal mind obeys the GIGO Principle: Garbage in, Garbage Out. Meaning: input equals output. Therefore, make wise use of all forms of media: Print, electronic and social sites. Movies and music you choose to cherish, should build might of your mind. Avoid idleness and indolence. For an idle mind is the devil’s workshop. Also, idle people engage in mischiefs, misdeeds and anti-social behaviour.
Use the free time to engage in purposeful activities. Pursue a short course like driving and computer packages. Venture into voluntary services. It is the best way to gain expertise, experience and exposure. Choose right role models and mentors. There is a heroic book from the Centre of Creative Leadership titled The Lessons of Experience, which states: People learn 50% from experience, 10% from formal education, 20% from failure, and 20% from mentors and coaches.
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Moreover, build useful relationships. For relationships rule or ruin the world. Move closer to the Maker. Bond with family and friends. Begin to win. Create useful networks for mutual gain. Discover, recover, nurture and develop your talent. Lift your gift. Upskill: Soft skills, life skills, employability skills, people skills, 21st Century skills. In James 1:17, we read that every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of heavenly lights, who does not change likes shifting shadows. Actually, it is wise to remain sane and sober at all times. Meaning: Avoid drugs and substance abuse. Avoid the hedonistic lifestyle of the so-called ‘parte-after-parte’. Sometimes fun leads to funerals. Avoid criminal gangs. Avoid sinful sexual behaviour. Avoid bad company. Avoid betting and gambling.
Finally, do not give up. Whatever life presents, do not succumb to the jaws of defeat or depression. For God can repair your despair. When life gives you lemons, do not ask for oranges. Instead, make lemonades. When KCSE results will be out, you will scoop grades ranging from A to E. Whatever mean grade you get, focus on getting to the highest floor of rooms in life. Somewhat, some people climb the ladder of life using the lift. In case you miss the gift of the lift you will use the tedious staircase. So, your journey may be longer. Whatever life offers you, focus on getting to the highest floor. Do not lose hope. For hope never disappoint. Hope pushes people to the top, to the epic peak. Therefore, giving up is not an option. Get rid of the attitude of lassitude and finitude. Remember, winners never quit. Quitters never win.
By Victor Ochieng’
0704420232
The writer rolls out Transition Talks for Form 4 Leavers. vochieng.90@gmail.com.
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