A life-long passion for learning

Hilton College matric top achiever Richard Karlson came in the top 1% of IEB candidates in the country, achieving nine distinctions.

“These results were a culmination of a lot of hard work over the years, but also a product of the excellent teachers and role models I have had along the way,” he told Maritzburg Sun.

Richard added that the last two years did prove more difficult to stay motivated, but he kept a list of realistic goals and set strong personal expectations for himself and his work.

He attributed his outstanding results to a life-long passion for learning, but also to all his teachers throughout his schooling career who “contributed immensely” to his success.

“I couldn’t be more grateful for their help and guidance,” he said. “Hilton College played a significant role in not only preparing me for my final exams but also creating an environment in which I could flourish and achieve what I desired.”

Highlights of his matric year were the times laughing and watching TV in boarding school with his friends, their wonderful matric dance and the day it snowed at school.

His advice to the class of 2022 is to take “the occasional break to appreciate where you are and what you have.”

“We are often so overwhelmed by the pressure of matric that we don’t take a second to breathe and realise what we will be leaving behind when we finish,” Richard said.

“Secondly, do not define yourself by your results. You will find that there is a lot of excitement on results day and often some disappointments but, in the grand scheme of things, you are going to be fine and will find your success. I wish the class of 2022 all the best. Study hard and have fun!”

Richard intends to study electrical engineering overseas and is currently waiting for responses from universities in the United Kingdom and Canada.