Did I ever tell you how I scored 3% in a Math test in high school? Well, let’s say there are stories that are not worth being told. But this one, it has a happy ending.
I call it: Your Environment Shapes You
Let’s rewind to my Form Two, Third Term—an era where I was more famous for being among the bottom five of my class than for anything remotely academic. Now, considering I used to hover around the top two spots in primary school, this was quite the tragic plot twist.
What went wrong, you ask?
Well, the moment I stepped into Form One, the seasoned third and fourth formers took it upon themselves to offer their unsolicited wisdom. “This is not primary school,” they’d whisper ominously. “Math is hard. Chemistry is impossible.” They said it with the confidence of prophets predicting doom. And me? I soaked it all in like a gullible tourist nodding at every ‘local secret’ a taxi driver shares.
Fast forward to Form Two, Second Term—this was my personal rock bottom. My math test score? A solid 3%. And honestly, most of it was for writing my name and at least attempting to form numbers that vaguely resembled equations.
Then, divine intervention happened in the form of Mrs. Murage. A new teacher, a new beginning. She summoned me to her office, and I braced for impact. But instead of the expected scolding, she gave me a pep talk. No yelling. No condescending speeches. Just a simple question:
“Why are you failing a subject you were so good at in primary school?”
I had no answer. (Unless “peer pressure and unchecked laziness” counted as one.)
Mrs. Murage didn’t accept silence as an answer. She advised me to take extra tuition over the Christmas holidays, which my well-to-do parents generously funded without hesitation.
Now, Form Three, First Term—I walked into class with a new mission. No longer was I going to be a professional bottom feeder. This time, I was determined to at least disappoint my haters (and by haters, I mean the teacher’s roll call that always began with my name).
I started hanging out with the math whizzes. Not in a cool way—more like an eager disciple shadowing a sage. I practiced. I attempted. I even started understanding why X had left Y and why they were constantly being solved for.
Then came the defining moment—exam results day. If you attended my Math class, you’d know that exam paper returns were an event. The teacher started with the lowest scores. My name was always called first. I braced myself.
But something strange happened. My name didn’t come up. The list of ‘usual suspects’ dwindled. My anxiety skyrocketed. Had they forgotten to grade my paper? Had I been so bad that I was disqualified from even receiving a score?
And then—boom. My name was amongst the last to be called. 80%. From 3% to 80% in one term.
And I never looked back.
All it took was one pep talk. One teacher who saw potential instead of just another failing student. One intervention that made me adjust my sails and change course.
Little did I know, Math wasn’t just a subject I had to pass—it was a part of my calling. Years later, I’d find myself loving numbers, using them in business consultancy, finance modelling, and accounting.
So here’s the lesson: Surround yourself with people who see your potential. Disconnect from those who make “misery loves company” their life motto. And as people pour into your life, make sure to pour into someone else. Let’s keep the current flowing.
Because sometimes, one pep talk is all it takes. Let’s explore that a bit.
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Here Are My Lessons from My Journey from 3% to 80%
1. Your Environment Shapes Your Thinking
Hanging around people who constantly spoke about how difficult Math was made me believe it. The wrong environment can crush your confidence before you even attempt something. Surround yourself with those who challenge and uplift you, not those who reinforce failure.
2. One Voice Can Change Your Course
Mrs. Murage didn’t offer a magic formula—just a pep talk and an opportunity. That was enough to shift my perspective. Never underestimate the power of a single conversation or encouragement. You might be someone’s Mrs. Murage.
3. Effort Beats Talent When Talent Relaxes
I wasn’t born bad at Math—I had simply stopped trying. The moment I started practicing, surrounding myself with the right people, and putting in effort, results changed. Even if you’re naturally talented, effort is what sustains success.
4. Your Setback Might Be Setting You Up for Purpose
If I hadn’t failed, I wouldn’t have met Mrs. Murage in her office. If I hadn’t struggled, I wouldn’t have developed the resilience that later made me love numbers. Sometimes, your worst moments are just detours to a greater purpose.
5. Pass It On—Be a Mrs. Murage to Someone Else
Just like Mrs. Murage saw something in me, we should all look for people to invest in. Encouragement, mentorship, and support should flow forward. Someone out there needs just one pep talk from you.
So, who will you be pouring into today?
There comes a time after all the inspirational pep talks, motivational quotes, and well-meaning nudges where you must finally wake up and do something about your life. Because let’s be real—your friends, mentors, and even your mother cannot keep pep-talking you forever.
Even David—the man after God’s own heart—reached a moment where there was no choir, no prophet, and no enthusiastic encourager. Instead of waiting for another pep talk, he encouraged himself in the Lord (1 Samuel 30:6). He pulled himself up, dusted off his frustrations, and took action.
Which brings me to the book in my hands today:
Transform Your Life: A 90-Day Adventure by Judy Owiti
Now, let’s connect the dots here!
Mrs. Murage gave me a solid pep talk, but let’s be honest—she didn’t hold my hand every time I needed to solve for X. She wasn’t going to magically transfer Math skills into my brain. I had to take action, change my approach, and reposition myself for success.
And that’s exactly what this book is about. It’s not just a book—it’s an ADVENTURE. A structured, step-by-step, 90-day journey to transform your thinking, habits, and results. Because let’s be real—no transformation happens in one day. Just like I didn’t jump from 3% to 80% overnight, true change requires consistent effort over time.
So, here’s the lesson:
Encouragement is great, but it won’t do the work for you.
Your transformation starts the moment you take responsibility.
If you commit to a journey of change, like this 90-day adventure, you WILL see results.
So, pull up, show up, and start your transformation. Because at some point, YOU have to be the hero of your own story!
Meet the Author
Judy Owiti is a dynamic leader and Youth Empowerment Coach with a passion for equipping the next generation for success. With over two decades of experience in organizational leadership, project management, and youth development, she has dedicated her career to empowering young people with the tools and strategies they need for a seamless transition into adulthood and independent living.
After a thriving corporate career, Judy followed her calling to invest in young people, believing that every young person in Africa should be well-equipped to become an active contributor and collaborator in their community. Through her work, she continues to inspire, mentor, and transform lives, helping youth build confidence, resilience, and a sense of purpose.
Judy currently resides in Nairobi, Kenya, with her family and remains a leading voice in youth empowerment, championing initiatives that shape the leaders of tomorrow.
With Christian Literature Communications – CLC Kenya
With Christian Literature Communications – CLC Kenya
African Christian Authors Book Award – ACABA
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