I joined primary school in the year 2006 and school for me was the best place to be. My father invested heavily in my education and ensured that I was never out of school for whatever reason. At a point when I didn't expect a turmoil, my father who was the sole bread winner of the family died of skin cancer. This depressed my mum that she consequently passed on. My Aunt who lived in Nairobi took me in. I did not have the slightest idea what life had in store for me in the city but what was a deprived orphan supposed to do? "Yes , I will" I replied when I was offered the once in a life time opportunity.
In the city I was enrolled in a school. At this time I was in grade 6. My new school was not an easy one to adopt to. Students formed cliques according to their social status! I struggled fitting in. I was termed "mshamba" having come from the country side. Despite my passion for writing and public speaking I use not to talk much since I had a strong L1 accent.
Wanting to fit in enticed me into bang smoking at a tender age, which in turn made me famous towards my peers but on the other hand my not so good academic performance dropped. "You are going back to the village" This was my aunts tepid voice despite my pleas, for mercy. Back in Maasai land, female genital mutilation culture was at its peak, too bad for me I was old enough. I underwent the cut! I resolved to resisting but this resulted to the mutilating knife injuring my chest. The pain was excruciating. Why did I have to undergo all this?
After the healing process, I managed to go back to school. This was in the year 2012 and I joined standard seven. I never knew what my inspiration was at this time but my urge to succeed drove me. I completed my primary education and excelled. With no hope of joining high school, I celebrated. My people perceived this as a waste of time, "Why should a girl go to school" They constantly asked. Luckily, I got a scholarship! Through the dark tunnel, I saw light at the end and I watched my once shattered dreams rejuvenate. I never dreamed of a better life but in every cloud there always a silver lining, right?
I walk along the corridors of Makueni girls High school elatedly. The smile I portray masks, the problems I have undergone. This is a motivation to me seeing that I am half way there. Many people from different backgrounds are here. Students from disenfranchised backgrounds like me are seriously discriminated but with my dream in mind - Surgeon- and my constant anthem, no circumstance can drag me down. My suffering being the source of my remarkable strength, I have learned a lot in life. Despite the difficulties I face each day in my pursuit for an education, life has taught me never to give up!
This is my educational education journey, my story, my strength!
#withmalalakenya
