Award-Winning Teacher Shokwei V. Barsulai Shares Humorous Tale of Hair Mishap
In a heartwarming and humorous revelation, award-winning teacher Shokwei V. Barsulai shared a personal story that has since captivated many. Barsulai, known for her dedication and innovative teaching methods, recently opened up about a memorable incident that led her to embrace a new hairstyle eight years ago.
The story begins on a typical Monday morning, notorious for its “blues.” At the time, Barsulai was teaching Grade 1 at St. Andrews, having just come from Cheberen Primary. As she hurried from Iten, passing by her small rented place near the school, she found herself running late. In the rush, she quickly donned her wig and sprinted to her classroom.
Upon entering the classroom, her students greeted her excitedly. However, one boy, whom she refers to as Kipyego (not to be confused with the governor), couldn’t take his eyes off her. Throughout the roll call, Kipyego’s gaze remained fixed on her, prompting Barsulai to sense that something was amiss.
As she began introducing the day’s topic, Kipyego raised his hand and asked, “Mwalimu, nini mbaya na kichwa yako?” (Teacher, what’s wrong with your head?). Taken aback, Barsulai asked what he meant, only to have him and the rest of the class point out that her wig was, indeed, misplaced. Demonstrating with his hands on his forehead, Kipyego showed that her wig looked like a bird with a peculiar crest.
Realizing the students were right, Barsulai discreetly pulled out a small mirror from her handbag. To her dismay, she saw that she had put on the wig backwards. Embracing the moment with grace and humor, she fixed the wig and continued with her lesson.
This incident, though embarrassing at the time, left a lasting impression on Barsulai. “From that day, eight years down the line, I swore off wigs,” she said with a laugh. “I decided to keep my hair natural, and I’ve never looked back.”
Barsulai’s story has resonated with many, illustrating her relatability and ability to find humor in everyday challenges. Her openness about the mishap has endeared her even more to her students and colleagues, showcasing the human side of teaching.
Her tale is a testament to the unpredictable and often humorous nature of working with young children. It also highlights the importance of authenticity and self-acceptance, lessons Barsulai continues to impart to her students.
As an award-winning teacher, Barsulai’s influence extends beyond the classroom. Her commitment to education, coupled with her ability to connect with students on a personal level, has made her a beloved figure in the community.
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