- Ashford Kimani reflects on the parable of an eagle raised among chickens to inspire learners to believe in their abilities.
- He argues that confidence, hard work and the right mindset are key to unlocking every student’s potential.
- He urges parents, teachers and schools to nurture talent, character and self-belief beyond examination performance.
There is a timeless story about an eagle that was raised among chickens. Although it was born with powerful wings, sharp eyesight and the ability to soar high above the mountains, it never discovered its true potential because it grew up believing it was a chicken.
The story begins when a farmer finds an eagle’s egg and places it in a hen’s nest. When the egg hatches, the young eagle grows up alongside chicks. It eats what they eat, walks where they walk, scratches the ground for food and learns to think exactly as they do.
One day, while searching for food, the young eagle looks up and sees a magnificent bird soaring effortlessly through the sky. Amazed, it asks the chickens what kind of bird it is.
“That is an eagle,” replies an old chicken. “It is the king of birds. But don’t think about it. We are only chickens. Flying that high is not for us.”
The eagle accepts those words without question. It never attempts to fly. It spends the rest of its life scratching the ground, never realising that it possessed the very wings needed to conquer the skies.
Although fictional, this story mirrors the lives of many students across Kenya.
Your environment should not define your future
Far too many learners allow other people to define their abilities. Some have been told they are weak in Mathematics. Others believe English is too difficult. Some convince themselves that only children from wealthy families excel in school, while those from humble backgrounds are destined to struggle.
Such beliefs become invisible cages that prevent students from reaching their full potential.
Many successful Kenyans began their education in remote villages with limited resources. They studied under trees, walked long distances to school and shared textbooks with classmates. Yet they refused to let their circumstances dictate their destiny. They focused on their dreams rather than their limitations. Like the eagle, they possessed greatness long before they recognised it.
Choose the voices you listen to
The eagle never failed to fly because it lacked wings. It failed because it believed the opinions of chickens.
In the same way, some students surrender their dreams after listening to discouraging comments from friends, neighbours or even adults. Statements such as “You will never pass KCSE,” “Science is only for geniuses,” or “People from this village never become doctors” can destroy confidence if accepted as truth.
Wise students choose to listen to teachers who encourage them, parents who believe in them and mentors who challenge them to dream bigger.
The eagle compared itself with chickens instead of discovering its own unique abilities.
Many students do exactly the same. They measure themselves against classmates who seem naturally gifted and conclude they can never succeed.
Every learner has unique strengths. One may excel in languages, another in Mathematics, another in sports, music, agriculture, coding or leadership. Education is not about proving everyone is identical. It is about discovering and developing one’s God-given talents.
Success requires courage
The story also teaches the importance of taking risks. The eagle never even attempted to fly. Fear kept it on the ground.
Many learners fear asking questions in class because they worry about being laughed at. Others avoid competitions because they fear losing. Some refuse leadership opportunities because they doubt themselves.
Growth begins when students dare to try. Failure is not the opposite of success; it is often part of the journey to success. Every great achiever experiences setbacks before reaching excellence.
The eagle’s greatest tragedy was not that it fell while flying. Its tragedy was that it never tried.
Students preparing for KPSEA, KJSEA, KCSE or university examinations should remember that confidence grows through preparation.
Those who study consistently, revise thoroughly and seek help whenever they encounter difficulties gradually discover abilities they never knew they possessed.
Schools should not merely prepare students to pass examinations. They should help young people identify their talents, build character, strengthen critical thinking and prepare them to solve real-life problems.
Teachers therefore have a responsibility to remind every learner that labels do not define their future. A student who performs poorly today can become tomorrow’s top performer through discipline, hard work and proper guidance.
Parents also have an important role. Instead of constantly comparing children with neighbours or siblings, they should encourage growth, celebrate effort and build confidence. Children flourish when they know someone believes in them.
Dare to soar
Finally, every student must remember that greatness begins in the mind. Before an eagle flies with its wings, it must first believe it is an eagle.
Likewise, before a learner becomes an engineer, teacher, doctor, lawyer, entrepreneur, pilot or scientist, they must first believe that such a future is possible. Dreams inspire effort, and effort produces achievement.
Kenya needs a generation of young people who refuse to be limited by fear, poverty, negative stereotypes or temporary setbacks. The nation needs students who recognise their potential and pursue excellence with determination and integrity.
The eagle spent its entire life scratching the ground because it accepted an identity that was never its own. Kenyan students must never make the same mistake.
You are not defined by where you were born, the size of your school, your family’s income or your previous examination results. You are defined by your willingness to learn, persevere, believe in yourself and use your gifts for the benefit of others.
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You were not created merely to survive. Like the eagle, you were born to spread your wings, rise above challenges and soar to heights that once seemed impossible.
The sky is waiting. Have the courage to fly.
By Ashford Kimani
Ashford Kimani is a teacher of English and Literature who writes on education and social affairs.
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