NOT YET TOO LATE – FROM POOR SCORES TO EXCELLENCY.

Kutuka John Kama-Author

The remembrance of my professional and academic life awakes my nerves to think of what really success is. The extracts from a book titled Born to Win! By Zig Ziglar, argues that success cannot be defined in one sentence, but instead it is comprised of many things.

The definition depends on individuals and that a single definition is yet to be found. In Africa, success can be associated with academics – scoring high grades in learning institutions; Wealth- Accumulated assets and money individual holds; Fame – how well you are known even with the unborn.

For today’s generations success may be associated with luxurious lifestyle, good job, better living, show-off, excessive money and great followers in social media. One of my greatest pastors defined success as knowing God.

All these definitions are valid based on individual perception. Every young person has ambition and parents too are hopeful about their children. Parents needs their children to succeed. My parents struggled in my journey to success. They spent all that they had to enable me succeed.

We all need to admit beyond any reasonable doubt that life is full of challenges and no one would ever say that his/her life is as smooth as a horse ride. To be successful is not a dime a dozen.

Most importantly, life needs a self-believing in one’s self and living a purpose life and if not taken serious it can slap someone on the wrist. I grew up in a society whereby very few successful individuals in my line of career path could be looked upon.

One of the key element of a successful person in a professional life is his/her ability to excel in school and if a student realizes that he is not a performer then he definitely loses hope and focus on other career paths. I was a victim of poor grades.

My parents struggled to ensure that I am successful but I continued to disappoint them. My poor performance can be traced back in high school. I was associated to that group that I personally wish my child should not be part of in the future. Truly, we were notorious. If indeed that is what peer pressure entails then it is time I need to pressure the peers towards positive things and not negative. I was second last students in three consecutive terms. My schoolmates recognized me as that student who is comfortable at the back.

My performance was annoying to the parents, although they kept doing what is entrusted for them as parents. They played their roles to provide all that was needs but I continued to perform poorly. My secondary school lifestyle was the most notorious moments that I will live to remember.  I was suspended together with some of my friends from school during national examination period for intolerable offense.

This happened after having done the first three exams. This was the time I noticed the power in peer influence. Nevertheless, we managed to do the remaining exams under strict supervision by the school administration in collaboration with police. I was sitting my exams as not only a student but a criminal too. Indeed, there was zero signs of success coming out of me. When the results were out. I scored a mean grade of C-. This was very low and I could not secure a chance to compete for better diploma courses

Life had to continue.  I then opted to start from the lowest level (certificate) that is usually associated with non-performers. I joined Bukura Agricultural College in 2010 for certificate in General Agriculture and Community Development.

I did not have an idea of what I was doing then and probably the inferiority level I was in at that moment. My parents supported me and upon completion of my certificate course, I secured a chance to pursue Diploma in General Agriculture and Biotechnology from the same college.

With all the struggles from my parents to pay my school fees I would still get myself in academic joke modes until one day in my last semester my father approached me and promised that if I would manage to secure an opportunity for Bachelors entry he will pay me school fees.

I synthesized the words from my father I realized my potential in academics and I have really lived to appreciate the mind opener words from my father. Sometimes you will take time to listen but when you spare time to listen there is something new you will realize. I decided to take up the challenge and worked extremely hard and smart to meet the promise.

I managed that grade which eventually enabled me get admitted at The University of Eldoret where I pursued Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Biotechnology.  My parents kept the promise and they paid my University fees. They actually sold family piece of land to facilitate my education. I managed to complete my degree and I graduated in 2016.

 After my graduation, I managed to get an opportunity to work under KALRO Katumani as a Technician for a period of one year. This contract expired and another opportunity knocked at Bayer Crop Science (An international organization) for one year. I was lucky to secure scholarship to pursue Master’s Degree in Plant Breeding and Seed Systems from Makerere University. I look forward to be a professor. That is my dream.

I always aspire to be a problem solver in the field of Agriculture. I am looking forward to transform communities within Africa. It may be indiscipline issue, poor grades, peer influence or even naturally academically disable but all this will pass. I have learnt that there are stages in life. The best stage is the listening stage. Listen and again I say listen. That inner voice will transform your life. The key points to remember as a friend of Jo Africa is:  

• Friends can build you and they can destroy you as well.
• Never ignore the roles of your parents in your life- Respect and listen to them.
• Accept to start from somewhere no matter the grades or age.
• Success is built. The best architect is you – Think it! Plan it! Implement it! Share it!
• Learn from your mistakes and others mistakes too.
• Network – The Future is full of potential.

About the Author

Kutuka John Kiama is a highly motivated, hardworking and result oriented Agriculturist with over eight (8) years practical experience in the field of agriculture. He thinks speaks, learn, and practice agriculture. Agriculture is not only a profession but also a lifestyle. He is much comfortable when handling Agricultural Management and modern agricultural techniques. He identifies himself as an Agronomist, Agriculture Biotechnology guru, and Agriculture Field expert. When looking for a true professional in Agriculture who is always available to turn agriculture impossibilities to possibilities and excel together with you towards your goals then count on John.

You can reach John through johnkutuka@yahoo.com.