Celebrating the Class of 2013
“I knew I’d pass, but I really didn’t expect to get four distinctions,” beams Azola Fonjana. Having just received her 2013 matric results, Azola is both relieved and excited. She’s excelled in English (82%), Mathematics (80%), Accounting (88%) and Life Orientation (87%) and is assured a place in university this year. It’s a particularly remarkable achievement and Azola says she’s proud of the new legacy she’s set. “I’m the first one in my family to ever get to matric. My mother only went up to Std 9.”
Azola plans to study either Financial Accounting or Applied Mathematics at UCT this year, and is looking forward to university life. She’s one of a batch of this year’s incredible matriculants who have done the Class of 2013 proud. Some of this year’s top achievers include Nonhlanhla Fuzane who notched above 90% in three subjects: Life Orientation, Business Studies and Life Sciences. Doreen Mothema will go down in our history books for her amazing accomplishment – 97% in Accounting! While there are many students who are thrilled with their results, others are dealing with disappointment.
Wiping tears away from her eyes, Abongile Malazibuye, says she’s frustrated by her performance. Unfortunately the 44% she received for Information Technology means she’s three points short of being accepted for medicine. “Luckily I still qualify for my second choice which was Physiotherapy, but I really want to study medicine, so I’m going to speak with the admissions department and see what I need to do to stick with my original hope.” Founder and director of LEAP, John Gilmour, says it’s this attitude that he believes is one of the most important lessons to learn. “Our Life Orientation classes are designed to help our learners deal with the curveballs they’ll often find in life. There will be failure and frustration, and learning how to deal with these emotions is just as important as learning about trigonometry and technology.” Whether or not Abongile successfully maneuvers her way to medicine, she evidently believes in steadfastly chasing her dreams. It’s this determination that will ensure she leaps confidently into the bright future that awaits her.
