The conclusion of the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams marks a significant milestone for the class of 2024. After months of preparation, hard work, and dedication, students can finally take a deep breath and relax, knowing that they’ve completed one of the most important academic hurdles in their educational journey. Congratulations are in order for the thousands of students who have reached this stage.
However, this moment of relief and celebration should also be a time for reflection and careful management of expectations as students await their results. As the examiners embark on the strenuous exercise of marking, it’s important to recognize the weight of the coming weeks. For students, parents, and guardians alike, the anticipation of results can be filled with anxiety, excitement, and fear of the unknown. But amidst all these emotions, it’s crucial to remain level-headed and realistic in managing expectations.
The completion of the KCSE is often viewed as the culmination of secondary school education, but it’s important to remember that it is not the endpoint of one’s life or career path. It is, rather, a stepping stone toward the next phase, be it in tertiary education, vocational training, entrepreneurship, or the job market.
In today’s rapidly changing world, academic excellence is still valued, but it is no longer the sole determinant of success. Employers, colleges, and even society at large are increasingly placing emphasis on skills such as creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving, emotional intelligence, and adaptability. While it’s understandable that students have been trained to prioritize academic performance, now more than ever, there is a need to embrace a more holistic view of personal development.
The task now falls on examiners to evaluate the work of thousands of students. The marking process is a meticulous one, requiring focus, precision, and fairness. Examiners work tirelessly to ensure that students receive the grades they deserve. However, as human beings, examiners are not immune to the pressures and challenges of the task at hand. Factors such as fatigue, workload, and even subjective interpretation of answers can occasionally affect how marks are awarded. Therefore, it’s important for students and their families to appreciate that, while every effort is made to maintain objectivity, exams are ultimately a human process and not an exact science.
YOU MAY ALSO READ:
Finishing KCSE is a chance to soul-search and plan for future
At this stage, it is also important to consider the emotional well-being of the examiners themselves. These professionals, often teachers who have spent years nurturing students in classrooms, now find themselves tasked with the heavy responsibility of determining their students’ future academic paths. As they undertake this job, they face long hours, often under difficult conditions. As such, the examiners deserve as much patience and understanding as the students who are awaiting their results.
For students, managing expectations is crucial as they wait for their results. It’s common to experience anxiety during this period, especially when there is pressure from family, peers, or even self-imposed expectations to perform at a certain level. Here are some strategies students can adopt to cope with the wait:
Reflect on your effort, not just the outcome: Your effort throughout your years of study is something to be proud of, regardless of the final result. The dedication, discipline, and resilience you have shown are qualities that will serve you in many areas of life beyond academics. Focus on these qualities rather than obsessing over your final grade.
Keep an open mind: It’s essential to remember that the results, when they arrive, may not always align with your expectations. Keep an open mind to different outcomes. A lower grade than expected does not close the door on future success, and a higher grade does not automatically guarantee it. What matters most is how you use your results to chart your next steps.
Shift from grades to growth: While grades are important, they are only one aspect of your journey. Use this time to explore personal growth by engaging in activities that build skills, whether it’s learning a new language, volunteering, or exploring creative interests. This growth mindset will serve you well, both in further education and in the workforce.
Stay connected and supportive: It can be helpful to talk about your feelings with friends, family, or a trusted mentor during this period of waiting. Sharing your thoughts can relieve some of the pressure and provide you with a network of support.
Plan for the next phase: Whether you’re aiming for university, vocational training, or a gap year, take this time to explore your options. Do some research, talk to career counselors, and prepare yourself for the choices you will make when the results are released. Even if the results don’t go as planned, having a range of options will make you feel more in control of your future.
As you wait for your results, it’s essential to remember that success in life is not defined solely by academic achievement. There are countless examples of individuals who, despite not excelling in national exams, went on to achieve extraordinary things in various fields. The KCSE results will provide direction, but they are not the final word on your potential or capacity to succeed.
Finally, as we await the release of the 2024 KCSE results, let’s keep in mind that education is a journey of lifelong learning. The skills, values, and experiences you have gained during your secondary education are invaluable assets that will continue to shape your future. So, while the results are important, they are just one piece of a much larger puzzle. Managing your expectations will allow you to approach the future with a balanced perspective, ready to embrace whatever comes next.
In conclusion, the class of 2024 deserves to celebrate this important milestone. With patience, perspective, and resilience, the wait for results can be transformed from a time of anxiety into a period of growth and opportunity.
By Kamomonti wa Kiambati
(He teaches English and Literature in Gatundu North Sub County).
