Form ones across the country are set to report to their new schools starting today in what will be the start of their secondary school journey.
Dressed in sparkling new uniform accompanied by their parents and guardians, students exude confidence and optimism when they set foot in the schools they were called to.
Sadly, it is not always a smooth path as some schools have 'ceremonies' to initiate the 'new arrivals.'
[caption caption="File Photo of a Form One Student"]
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Speaking to a number of alumni from several schools in Kenya, being in Form One is not one of the things they like to remember.
Most revealed that they lost their uniforms, buckets and other personal amenities on the first day!
They also complained of having difficulties in adjusting to the school diet which more often than not, comprised of maize and beans and a piece of meat - if you were lucky.
Others cited bullying by seniors (form three and form four students) who would often take advantage of their size to force the newbies to do several chores for them.
As a Form One, you barely know your way around the school and asking for directions is not always the best idea.
"I remember asking where the laboratories were only to be directed to the Deputy Principal's office. I felt embarrassed but at least I had learnt something new," stated an alumnus of a top Nairobi school.
As much as the food is not always appealing in the dining hall, most schools have canteens where students can buy soft drinks, snacks and other necessities.
The downside is that buying what you need might be a nightmare during break time since it is usually a situation of 'survival of the fittest.'
An elbow here, an elbow there, an outstretched arm and maybe you can get the attention of the shopkeeper. Failure to do that and you will end up sipping your translucent tea - because the ratio of water to milk is, ummh let's not go there - with no accompaniment.
For those who are used to being close to their parents, the first few days are usually tough as homesickness kicks in but a number of schools have visiting days where parents come with freshly prepared meals from home.
The dining hall is usually a ghost town on such days but when darkness sets in, reality slowly creeps back to remind you that it is back to routine.
That said, high school is probably one of the best places to be. Making new friends, defining a career path and learning to be responsible. Interacting with students from different backgrounds makes us appreciate different personalities and shapes us to become better people.
[caption caption="File Photo of Students Celebrating"]
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