My name is Edwin Kirui Tekei, the second-born in a family of nine siblings. I grew up in a humble home where love and hard work were the roots of everything we did. My father worked as a plumber, often moving from one place to another looking for jobs, while my mother is a mama mboga who sells vegetables at our home village market. They have always done their best to provide for us, even when times were tough.

From a young age, I dreamed of becoming a land surveyor. I was fascinated by how land is measured and mapped, and I wanted to help in developing better communities. Unfortunately, due to financial constraints, I couldn’t pursue that dream. It was painful at first, but I learned to accept that sometimes life leads us in different directions.

With time, I developed a new passion — teaching. I came to realize that being a teacher is not just a job; it’s a calling. Teaching gives me a chance to guide, inspire, and shape young minds. It’s a noble profession, and I believe through it, I can make a real difference in society.

Life hasn’t been easy. One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is lack of connections and opportunities. Sometimes, even when you work hard, progress seems slow because of who you know or don’t know. But I’ve learned an important lesson — to stay optimistic, patient, and focused. I’ve also discovered that farming can be a strong foundation for the future. It keeps me grounded and gives me hope that success can grow from the soil, just like a seed.

I believe that every struggle is a lesson, and every setback is preparing me for something better. My dream now is to keep learning, keep growing, and keep moving forward — no matter how hard life gets.

Love,

Your Future Self – Tr. Edwin Kirui Tekei