Our school headboy, Samuel Mwaniki, while addressing the students on parade, quoted this quote: ‘If a cat aspires to become a lion, it must begin by losing its appetite for rats.’ Here is my take on it. I have contextualised it to suit a school environment, rather than the jungle.
This powerful metaphor holds an important lesson for students who desire to grow, achieve, and become the best versions of themselves. The cat represents a person in an ordinary state, limited by small habits, short-term pleasures, and minor distractions. The lion, on the other hand, symbolises greatness – someone who leads, who is respected, who has mastered themselves and risen above average thinking. The rats in this metaphor represent the petty temptations, bad habits, and meaningless pursuits that keep many students stuck at a level far below their potential.
Students are filled with dreams. Some dream of becoming doctors, lawyers, teachers, engineers, leaders, or entrepreneurs. Some want to win scholarships, pass with flying colours, or make their families proud. All of these dreams are noble and achievable. However, the journey from the “cat” to the “lion” requires a deep transformation. One must be willing to let go of the distractions that consume time and energy. One must lose their appetite for things that do not build them. In a school environment, these issues can include excessive social media use, gossip, cheating on exams, truancy, laziness, peer pressure, or even a fear of failure.
It is disheartening to see brilliant students settle for average grades because they are preoccupied with chasing “rats” – those small, time-wasting habits that seem harmless but are detrimental. A student may say, “I’ll do my homework later,” or “Just one more episode,” or “Everyone is failing anyway, so why try?” These are the statements of someone who is still content with chasing rats. A lion does not chase rats. A lion is focused on bigger prey, bigger goals, and bigger victories. The lion is disciplined, intentional, and goal-driven. To become that lion, students must change how they think, act, and respond to the world around them.
Losing the appetite for rats means developing a taste for excellence. It means replacing time spent on TikTok with time spent reading books. It means choosing friends who challenge you to be better, not those who pull you down. It means managing your time wisely, planning your day effectively, and staying committed to your goals. It means pushing yourself to revise even when you feel tired. It means refusing to cheat because you understand that success must be earned, not stolen. It means walking away from idle talk and walking into the library, the discussion group, or your quiet study corner.
This transformation is not easy. Habits are hard to break, and distractions are always tempting. But nothing valuable comes without effort. If a student wants to be respected, they must earn respect through character, hard work, and consistency. If a student wants to succeed, they must act like someone who deserves success. This is how you lose your appetite for rats – by learning to value your future more than your comfort. Every time you choose to study instead of wasting time, you are growing into the lion you were meant to be.
Some students say they don’t see the point of trying hard. They feel like the system is unfair or that life is too hard. It’s true – life is not easy, and not all students have equal opportunities. But even lions are not born strong. They fight to survive. They fight to grow. They fight to lead. Likewise, students must learn to fight for their dreams, even when it’s difficult. Excuses won’t help you rise. Only effort, focus, and the right mindset will.
There are students who come from poor backgrounds but become top performers. There are students who were once slow learners but now speak at school events, lead study groups, and inspire others. How do they do it? They lost their appetite for rats. They stopped making excuses and started making progress. They let go of fear and began to believe in their potential. That is the path to becoming a lion.
Every student has a lion inside them. It’s the part of you that dreams big, that wants more, that refuses to settle. But that lion cannot come out while you’re still chasing rats. You must make room for greatness. You must feed your mind with good books, surround yourself with winners, ask questions, stay curious, and continue to grow. Even when you fail, you must stand up and try again. Even when others laugh at you, you must keep going. Even when no one is watching, you must keep doing what’s right.
Ultimately, your future is in your hands. You can choose to remain a cat, comfortable with small goals and petty habits, or you can start becoming a lion – bold, focused, and ready to lead. The choice is yours. But remember this: greatness begins the moment you stop chasing rats. Let go of the things that waste your time, distract your focus, and lower your standards. Set your eyes on your dream and go for it with everything you’ve got. Because you were not born to live a small life. You were born to rise, to roar, and to rule.
Lose your appetite for rats. The jungle is waiting for its next lion. Will it be you?
By Kamomonti wa Kiambati
Kamomonti teaches English and Literature in Gatundu North Sub County.
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