Unstoppable despite hurdles
TOP MARKS: MATRICULANT SCOOPS SIX DISTINCTIONS
Was anxious about what 2020 had in store for her.
Despite facing a challenging year because of the Covid-19 pandemic, where her grades also dropped, matriculant Safiya Mather is proud of her achievements.
Mather, from Crosby in Johannesburg, has exceeded her expectation by scooping six distinctions in the 2020 matric exams.
The University of Johannesburg Metropolitan Academy pupil said she was anxious about what 2020 had in store for her.
She said that she worked hard and fought her anxiety by surrounding herself with like-minded people, which helped her get her grades up.
“I was anxious and when President [Cyril] Ramaphosa announced the lockdown [in March], the anxiety became worse. I wondered whether I would finish my matric,” she said.
“When we went back to school, my marks dropped and that demoralised me.
“But I’m proud of how hard I’ve worked and the support from my family.”
Mather, who is hoping to study actuarial science at Wits University, has been awarded the top achievers badge since Grade 8.
The 18 year old’s advice to the class of 2021 is that even if they go through challenges, they should always remember that they are tougher than they think they are.
“To the class of 2021, I would like to share a quote that really motivated me and kept me going,” she said.
“Don’t lose hope when the sun goes down because the stars will always come up.”
Despite the trying times, Mather said the class of 2021 should “remember that they are more resilient than they think they are and their attempts are still worthy”.