Sigauque Mmathapelo, a 17-year-old pupil from Forte High School in Soweto, described her academic year as both draining and highly demanding, as the exams required her to study large amounts of material in a short time.

“This academic year has been draining and very demanding. I felt like I spent more time at school than at home. Learning a lot of things in a short period was also challenging because I had no time to process and thoroughly understand as exams would reach quickly. However, writing the same content each term made it easier and gave me enough time to try and pick up. The exams were Challenging from start to finish. Each exam demonstrated a new weakness,” said Sigauque.

She added that her teachers and friends were her greatest sources of inspiration, as their unwavering support and guidance helped make her journey smoother

“My biggest highlight of the academic year was the incredible teachers who supported and cared for me throughout. Their guidance made the journey a little easier, and I found parental figures in them. They celebrated every success, no matter how small, and offered encouragement during challenging times. I was also fortunate to have friends who stood by me every step of the way, sharing the common goal of achieving excellent results”.

Sigauque was in grade 8 when COVID-19 was at its peak. She had only attended school for three months when the country went into lockdown.

“The start of COVID-19 made me attend grade 8 for 3 months then the Lockdown hit. This made me lazy because spending almost a year without school (meant) that it would be difficult to adjust when they continue. I missed out on important basic skills and content during these years such that when schools reopened after COVID-19 I never went back to being the girl who loved school.

“I just became so lazy to study that I used to think common knowledge would help me out in the exam room and it did until I reached grade 11, that's when I had to learn (how) to study and practice. I tried to master the art of studying but even now studying is something that I haven't quite mastered.”

She advised the class of 2025 that self-discipline is crucial for success in matric, as it will be more challenging without it. Additionally, she emphasized the importance of choosing friends who share similar goals and who will have a positive impact on both their academic performance and mental well-being.

Sigauque said she wants to study Mining Engineering at the University of Pretoria.

The Star

masabata.mkwananzi@inl.co.za