Gladys Shollei: From D pupil in primary to top student in KCSE

Deputy Speaker Gladys Shollei, an inspiring figure, addressed the gathering at Moi Girls High School, Eldoret.

This was during the release of the 2023 KCSE results.

In her impactful speech, she shared her educational journey.

Serving as a testament that a single exam result does not define one’s potential.

Reflecting on her early academic struggles, Shollei began by recalling her Certificate of Primary Education (CPE) experience at Hill School Eldoret.

She found herself at the bottom of her class, securing the lowest mark that year.

Despite this setback, Shollei’s fortunes took a turn when she attended Loreto Convent Matunda for her final secondary school exam, emerging as the top student.

“When I did my Certificate of Primary Education (CPE) at Hill School Eldoret, I was at the bottom of my class.

I had the lowest mark in Hill School that year. Photo: Gladys Boss Shollei/Facebook.

Totally at the bottom. I couldn’t get a place in secondary school, because my sister was already at Loreto Convent Matunda.

The nuns decided to allow me to go to the school just to keep us together,” she recounted.

Admitted to Moi Girls High School Eldoret for her A levels, Shollei continued her upward trajectory, finishing as a straight-A student, which paved the way for her to enroll in a law degree at the University of Nairobi.

Deputy Speaker Shollei delivered key insights during her speech, emphasizing that one academic result should not determine a student’s capabilities.

Drawing from her personal experience as a C and D student at the beginning of her academic journey.

She encouraged young people to recognize that every stage provides an opportunity for improvement.

Shollei advocated for an examination system that fosters encouragement rather than elimination.

Her call was for students, even those at the bottom, to maintain hope and understand that improvement is possible over time.

Highlighting diverse pathways to success, Shollei shared the example of her uncle, Professor Kiboss.

He started as a Form Two dropout and eventually became a professor by starting with a certificate.

This narrative aimed to encourage students to embrace various educational avenues, including Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions and other colleges.