Determination, excellence, inspiration and great potential sum up the character of Tom Wanderi Kingori, ACCA course student at Strathmore University. Tom was the best student in the KCSE class of 2013 national examination leading him to obtain a scholarship with European Union.

 

He had this to say…

 

Tell us about yourself…

I was born in 1995 in Nairobi, the first born in a family of four. I studied at Aga Khan School and obtained 415 out 500 marks in the KCPE national examinations. I then joined Alliance High School where I scored a mean grade A with a performance index of 86.967 points emerging as the number one candidate in Kenya.

 

How did you feel when you realized you were the best candidate in the exams?

I was extremely excited and grateful to God. Being ranked position 1 nationally was not a mean feat. It took a combination of trust in God, strong will, an intelligent execution and self-motivation.

 

How is it being at Strathmore?

I like Strathmore’s organization and strictness on time and proper dress code. I also admire the lecturers who are very interactive and willing to help, especially Prof. James McFie who teaches me ACCA. I believe this journey will go a long way in introducing me to University life, and life in general.

 

Greatest achievements so far…

My achievement so far in Strathmore is that I have joined the basketball Blades team. Am very excited about this as I continue my basketball journey that started in high school. I was the basketball captain back in Alliance leading my team to the National Games.

 

Any challenges?

My challenge has to be the distance between school and home.  It is quite a workload that leaves me tired and totally drained.

 

Aspirations for the future?

I wish to serve humanity in my career, and I wish to pursue a degree in petroleum engineering preferably at Princeton University in the USA. I like a challenge and plus I want to see my country go forward; discovering our own source of energy is among the key goals of vision 2030 for Kenya. I see myself as an inspirational young leader leading the country, especially in the petroleum sector and transforming Kenya as well as being among the chief prospectors of vision 2030. I believe Strathmore University will provide a strong foundation for me to achieve these goals.

 

Where do you get motivation from?

My motivation comes from All-star American basketball player Kevin Durant who said, ‘Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard.’

 

I wish to finish this interview with a quote from Vince Lombardi, ‘the greatest results in life are usually attained by simple means and the exercise of ordinary qualities.’