Above is the newspaper article that sparked the undying memories of Tamzeen (find the full newspaper article at the end of this writeup). We thought it wise to compile these memories into an article to preserve them while congratulating Tamzeen.
Piecing the Puzzle: The School Life of a legend.
“At the end of his schooling period, he wrote me a card expressing his gratitude therein. I recall pulling down my glasses and wiping a tear or two. That occurrence has no twin.”
Mrs. Mugoya (Director)
A better recollection of this boy’s memories aren’t found elsewhere as much as in LWS where he spent most of his early and teenage life. Tamzeen started his schooling at LWS as a baby in the then Baby Class aka Beginner Class. His teacher, who serves at LWS to date, recalls vividly Tamzeen’s early days in school. “He was a very calm boy who wouldn’t pick fights in class. He loved to keep himself tidy and his stuff neat,” said teacher Betty, a remark all his teachers shared. According to her, he had a maturity that was unique for his age both in speech and conduct. No wonder his performance was amazing from year one.
Tamzeen’s Pre-primary education was marked with significant achievements. In fact, Mrs. Mugoya could recall gifting the boy presents and insisted to comb through the school library for a prize-giving photo. Guess what we found!
This is one of the oldest photos of Tamzeen. He was being presented with an award recognizing his outstanding performance, a streak that lasted throughout his school life.
Below are the kindergarten photographed memories we have of Tamzeen.
Tamzeen’s family relocated to Lang’ata when he reached Class 4 (equivalent of Grade 4). At the time LWS didn’t have boarding facilities, so commuting couldn’t do for the boy.
“It was a hard decision to let Tamzeen go, glad it wasn’t ours to make!” Exclaims Mr. Amos the long-serving headteacher.
Tamzeen aside, the mother had become a friend to the director. It was beyond will, we blame it on fate. “One thing I could tell off-head was that Tamzeen would make history regardless of what lay ahead.” Sighed Mrs. Mugoya as she recalled these events.
Goodbye Tamzeen.
Time has passed. Tamzeen’s classmates are now KCPE pre-candidates. The school has a running boarding facility. “Once a student exits, our focus remains on those under our custody. Many do return but it isn’t in our expectations. It came as a sweet surprise to all of us.” Madam Grace (front office).
Class 7 (now Grade 7) used to be a rigorous class. Most legends would be made or broken at this stage. “It was also the onset of teenage for most students which made the situation more delicate. Rebellion would break potential history makers but most would sail through successfully,” Mr. Mundia narrates. He added that this was the stage where most students realized their full potential in co-curricular activities and had the strength to achieve them.
It was in this hypothetical state that Tamzeen comes back to Little Wonder School. His remaining period to KCPE was marked by huge milestones that I asked the teachers to put in their own words. Did he live up to the expectation of the teachers? Did he experience teenage challenges and did he find help? Did he exploit his youthful strength in academics and co-curricula activities?
Mr. Mundia who had taught him previously in Class 4 describes Tamzeen as a perfectionist, an all-round performer, inquisitive, and the most self-driven student he handled. “Teaching Tamzeen required adequate preparation because of his inquisitive nature. He was thirsty for correct and adequate information.” Mr. Mundia was keen to note how, apart from taking a lead in most subjects in his class, he led the school volleyball team as the captain and saw to its conquests in Kasarani Cluster.
A light incidence ensued between Tamzeen and then Social Studies teacher. The teacher felt that he responded in a rude manner. Mr. Mundia caught the wind of this incidence and immediately understood teenage had something to do with it. He undertook mentorship sessions with the boy to guide him.
“One incidence should never wipe out a long standing track record of obedience and discipline,” Mr. Mundia added.
Mr. Amos (headteacher) noted that, “Tamzeen was always smart and presentable. Having taught him English language, I observed an unmatched fluency and composure. His discipline was but exemplary. Discipline indeed does count.”
Mr. Amos underscores that his decision to appoint him as the then head prefect aka ‘Headboy’ was contributed to by his discipline and hardwork. “As the most outstanding example, I appointed him as the then school headboy. He was vastly emulated and his excellent performance in KCPE was not a surprise.
Mrs. Mugoya had this to say about him:
“My interaction with Tamzeen was minimal but meaningful. I knew him to be very reserved and the kind who would have exited unnoticed were it not for his frequent and outstanding performance.”
“At the end of his schooling period, he wrote me a card expressing his gratitude therein. I recall pulling down my glasses and wiping a tear or two. That occurrence has no twin.”
Mrs. Mugoya (Director)
His ending at LWS was glorious, scoring 427 marks out of 500, managing to appear in the top 10 scorers countrywide. His recent achievement excited us all. We wish Tamzeen much more success in life.
