It’s an A for aspiring neurosurgeon

Consistent performance in national examinations evades many, yet DENNIS OKUMU, 18, managed this feat. How did he do it? SHIRLEY GENGA sought answers.

GENERATION NEXT: Four years ago, you were the best performing KCPE student in Nairobi. In a repeat of excellence, you are presently a top student having scored an A in KCSE. Did you expect to excel like you have?

DENNIS OKUMU: I was hoping to perform well, but I had not envisioned scoring an A. In good stride, I managed A grades in Mathematics, English, Biology, Physics, Chemistry and Geography, but faltered in English and Kiswahili scoring a B+. Though this was a decent performance by all standards, it was not the best considering four other schoolmates got straight As in all subjects.

GN: You have managed to consistently perform well in high-pressure national examinations, a fete that is not easy, what is your secret?

DO: I believe in hard work. There are times, of course, when you will not get what you want, but if you consistently put in work, you will eventually get the results you want. Importantly, I never overwork myself. I simply made sure I worked smart. I would, for instance, be up at 5am and would turn in by 10pm, while ensuring I got extra tutorage from my teachers in the subjects that I was weak in.

 GN: Was it hard to adjust in high school, especially considering your exceptional performance in KCPE?

DO: It was not easy adjusting. I came from an environment where I had been crowned top gun and here I was, cast into a new, competitive environment with people who were just as bright, if not more, and it was simply unnerving. I struggled a little, especially in Form One. With hard work, however, I was able catch up and by Form Four, I was third best student in my level.

GN: With such good scores in all subjects, do you have a favourite subject?

DO: That would have to be Biology. I love the way it explains life, nature and everything around us. Mathematics comes in a close second. 

GN: What course do you hope to study in university?

DO: I have always wanted to be a neurosurgeon since I was a young boy, and now I trust that my journey to achieving this dream has received a shot in the arm. My elder brother who is currently studying Electrical Engineering in New Mexico University, USA tells me it is a great country to study in. Trusting his judgement, I have applied to a number of universities and as I wait to see which among them will accept me, I pursue an ICDL (International Computer Driving Licence) certificate at IAT (Institute of Advanced Technology).

GN: Give us a little bit of your background?

DO: I grew up in Nairobi, the fourth born in a family of five siblings. I attended Makini School for my primary education before joining Strathmore High School thereafter. Growing up in a big family was so much fun, I do not remember ever being bored. To date, we are still very close.

GN: Apart from your books were you involved in extra curriculum activities or did you strictly concentrate on your books?

DO:  I have always been an active swimmer and soccer player. I also enjoy writing, which I do considerably. My parents have always been very supportive of our involvement in extra curriculum activities on condition that we were able to balance that, with education remaining first priority.

GN: What advice would you give to another KCSE student who is tense and not sure how to prepare for the exam?

DO: Work hard and do not give up even when the intended results are not visible. At one point, I was not performing well in Math. I even got 36 per cent in one test, but I did not give up. My continued hard work eventually afforded me an excellent grade.

GN: What do you do for fun?

DO: I enjoy watching movies; my favourite being Primal fear, Hunger Games: Catching Fire and the Harry Potter films.

GN: Where do you see yourself in the next 20 years?

DO: I see myself as a certified neurosurgeon with a PHD.