The Reality of High School Life: Insights from Omondi Timon’s Story

I didn’t see this coming, and I’m sure you’re equally perturbed to see this here. To be honest, I feel unsafe. Most of you, especially the ‘no nonsense’ folks, may wonder what is wrong with me.

Have I lost what to write? From whence does Omondi Timon come into The Cleaver of Truth? I also don’t know, but I don’t have otherwise, and I must write anyway.

In the week ending 10th of July 2021, ‘Omondi Timon’ was the source of laughter in my cycle. I got a different impression during my meditation in the wee hours of today. This impression has compelled me to write. This is not a laughing matter anymore.

First things first, I don’t want to presume that all of you are on my contact list. This necessitates that I start by bringing Omondi Timon to the World.

My first interaction with this icon, Omondi Timon, was in a trending WhatsApp video. In the video, a teacher was disciplining a student, a common corrective mechanism to discourage hooliganism in High School. The Student in question was the big man, Omondi Timon. This somewhat evoked a reminiscence of the experience many had during their days in High School.

The worst happened when the ‘meme lords’ hijacked DJ Khaled’s piece, “Say My Name.” Khaled asked the lady, “Say my name.” Nevertheless, the response was tweaked. The lass’ voice was silenced. Her response remained to be Omondi Timon.

This kept us having a good time with my good friends, gentlemen with a keen sense of humour.

But this morning, as I took time to think and meditate about the past week, many things crossed my mind. Omondi Timon also came up, and I was almost giggling, then it went away all of a sudden. Instead, a solemnity replaced the mood that was virtually intruding on my serious meeting.

I need to add something else..

When I saw the meme trending and hitting social media waves, I was intrigued to find out the facts. What I want to state here is one of the alleged truths about the Omondi Timon issue.

According to a source on social media, Timon was supposed to be a student of St. Joseph’s Rapogi Secondary School. According to this source—which I am yet to prove—he was engaged in a scandal of duping the cooks. He told them that the principal needed them urgently. After that, he made away with 65 loaves of bread. Because of this, he received punishment meant to correct his behaviour. The purpose was to make him a good boy instead of the crook he was becoming.

What do you think about this issue, assuming the report above is the exact script of the story? I would love to get your response in the chat section.

On my side, I would love to say a few things.

First, I believe that discipline is an indispensable law of life.

Young people must not be left to do just whatever they want to do. Some direction must be given to help them travel the road less travelled. It is socially and morally costly to let young people gamble with character formation. Instead of letting them just become what they can become, some direction ought to be provided by responsible adults.

However, discipline must be provided with utmost care to help them to become better.

I don’t support Mr. Timon in his expedition of hacking the system and having the fruits of independence flowing into his compound at the expense of others.

However challenging the situation is, no one will be celebrated for putting oneself ahead of humanity. We must strive to ensure everyone at least gets something to make things work better for everyone.

Secondly, the fact that the video is trending with such serious issues is a matter of concern. many people can’t handle such pressure.

I don’t know how thick Tim’s skin is, but it may affect him later in life. He may even be tempted to change his name. Others may feel that he is known by many people now. But because the reason is not a good one, we call it infamous.

It is not safe to match into the streets with a tarnished name. The Luos say, “Nying ema ichiemo go” loosely translated to mean “we eat with our name”. King even Solomon makes it even more forcible:

"Choose a good reputation over great riches; being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold" (Proverbs 22:1, NLT).

If you must trend, let it be for positive energy. Guard that name, it is a treasure you can transfer to your progeny.

But far from this still, I tried asking myself why the man had to take the direction he took. What makes a High School student take such risks?

Maybe this can be the best time to remember your days in High School. It was not a walk in the park for most of us, budgeting with less money all the time. Even worse still, most of the boys value quantity over quality. There was something strange about High School hunger. Almost always, it seemed that the food came a little late and slightly less.

This may be a strange narrative to the high-end class who had it a little better. However, the majority can share such fond memories. They wonder why they were choosing more over better in school.

The struggle of a high school student is real. A boarding school student faces even more challenges. They demand a little more money to supplement what is offered in the school kitchen.

If you have a sibling in High School, send them a little cash. This will help them fund nutrition supplements. There is some good feeling that comes when I send upkeep money to my younger people in High school. However, sometimes their appeals for help tie in with other non-negotiables of life and I must decide who waits.

Therefore, students must adjust to the tough realities of life. Life can and will always demand some patience and perseverance. Learn to stay true when life presents stern realities. It is the only way to become a person of value. If you don’t have it, don’t take it from another person’s hand.

Conclusion

Let’s try to be supportive in every way possible.

As teachers, parents, big brothers, and big sisters, let us make it a little easier for this new generation. They are not as patient as our grandparents.

The case of Omondi should be an eye-opener for parents and guardians. They should realize that school fees and enough books are not enough for a student. If it is all you can afford, it is well. But, if you can add something good on top, don’t hesitate. It means a lot to those little kids.

And above this, psychosocial support is needed.

Talk to them and know their struggle; try to find out why they can’t take a step in their math. Try establishing why their grammar is not refined as expected.
You should even know if they have a girlfriend or boyfriend. Try knowing why they think they need a girlfriend at form one.

Times have changed, and so must we.