When I started KES, one of the first things I was introduced to was the Liber Aureus (Golden Book). Huh? The “Liber Aureus”? The GOLDEN BOOK? That was my initial reaction. But to my surprise (and possibly disappointment), this mysterious-sounding, famous, fancy Latin-named tome of legend was not a book constructed from pure, 24-karat gold – now that I think of it, that would be quite impractical.
Apparently, this Golden Book was one of the highest achievements in the school. If you did an exceptional piece of work (like, REALLY exceptional) or gained a certain amount of credits (the school point system), your name would be written down in the Golden Book, so your achievement would be remembered even years on from now. Getting an entry in the Golden Book was the one thing everybody in school worked towards, and soon, I too joined the race.
Since then, I probably worked harder than I ever had. Like my classmates around me, I had the Golden Book in my sights. And so that was how I worked until December 2018, when I got my first Golden Book entry – a DOUBLE ENTRY too, if that wasn’t surprising enough. I couldn’t believe it! Up until then, being able to make my mark in the Golden Book seemed so out of reach to me. And here I was, holding the pen in my hand that would write down my name in the prestigious Golden Book! Little did I know that by the end of my first academic year, I would have a total of not 1, not 2, but 4 Golden Book entries, meaning that my name was carved into school history four times! What a great way to end the school year alongside my unexpected exam results! I don’t know how I did it, but it was indeed a miracle!
Alhamdulillah, I feel so blessed to earn such a great achievement. However, I cannot claim that this is just a product of my hard work. I would not have achieved this without my teachers. Their fruitful teachings have benefited me in countless ways, not just academically! My friends have also given me their support and encouragement. It’s true to say that a friend’s motivation is like no other!
Above all, a lot of the credit goes to my family, especially my parents, Mrs Mom and Mr Dad, without whom I would have never gotten this far. They are the ones who have been sacrificing a lot for me. Their unconditional love and endless support have motivated me to keep on working harder!
And how could I forget all of you wonderful people? You are our loving supporters! I may not know all of you, but your love, prayers, and kind words touch my heart. There is no way I could thank you all enough! May God shower you and your families with the best of blessings!
And of course, all praise is due to Allah, for He is the one who has seen all my struggles, and He is the one who has showered His endless blessings upon me. For now, all I can do is thank Allah and pray that next year will be as fruitful as this one.
I also know that somewhere, somehow, my Mamajee is watching over me. I just hope that I have done enough to make him proud of his nephew as he looks on. May Allah let us all be reunited in Jannah.
Last but not least, I would like to say goodbye to the Shells year. It has shaped me into the KES boy I am today!
Blessed,
Omar Mukhtar
The Pawsome Lion 