Amogelang Katlego Modisadife

Amogelang Modisadife would like to see more innovations that help the global population with their daily struggles and, likewise, more innovators.

Amogelang is studying for a BSc in Physics and Geology at the University of Johannesburg (UJ). He matriculated at Thabane High school in Galeshewe, Kimberley, in the Northern Cape.

“Our daily decisions hold the power to either burden us with future regrets or become valuable assets in our journey forward.”

Explain why you chose the course/s you are studying?

I chose physics because it is interesting to me in that it unveils the secrets of the universe and the natural laws governing our world. It is ranging from studying subatomic particles up to the cosmic scale, it is counter intuitive, yet it is about the natural world we see every day which makes it more interesting. The other major I chose is geology and I chose it mainly to feed my curiosity about Earth’s composition and how that affects us daily.

Who or what inspired you to pursue these studies?

My science interest came mainly from watching science documentaries and when I read more about science and its history, I saw it has many pioneers who built the foundation of science, so my inspiration came from many places. My main inspiration was the winner of the 2014 Nobel Prize for Physics, Shuji Nakamura for his blue LED light invention.

What would you like to see changed in the world, and how do you see yourself contributing to such a change?

I would like to see more innovations that help the global population with their daily struggles and, likewise, more innovators. I would like to see more youth doing science. I want to work hard enough to earn accolades and achievements so that my work can inspire young people to be interested in science.

Where did you complete your schooling? Tell us a bit about this school and your teachers.

Thabane High School in Galeshewe, Kimberley in the Northern Cape. It is a small public school, in transition, having consistently improved over the past years. It has shifted from focusing solely on academics to increasing its extramural activities. Most of my teachers were young and were my source of inspiration when I was in Grade 12. My teachers had a good relationship with me and my classmates. The information they shared with us was not only limited to school. Most importantly they were great educators.

What did you enjoy about physical science and maths at school?

In physical science every topic was interesting because I was learning new things every time and those things could be applied in real life. I also enjoyed learning about how many of the things we use are produced in various industries, including the processes involved in creating everyday products. I enjoyed maths mostly because maths problems have many different solutions so I enjoyed discussing these solutions in class. What I also enjoyed about maths is that there are many different problems which taught me different problem-solving skills, which I could also apply in other subjects.

Why do you think some people have problems doing well in maths and science? What advice do you have for school learners who struggle with these subjects?

I think the main reason some people struggle with maths and science is because they lack interest which in turn prevents them from working hard. I would advise them to first develop an interest for maths and science and most importantly to be hardworking.

Any tips for learners in grades 11 and 12?

Grade 11 is important because the work carries over to Grade 12 so learners must treat it as matric. When you’re a Grade 11 or 12 learner you must have a vision and you must plan your work thoroughly. In addition, make use of a study timetable but also make time for fun and use different types of study methods for different subjects to find your best technique. And treat all your subjects equally.

What advice do you have for matriculants who have to apply for places in higher education institutions?

They must apply for the institution of their choice, but also apply to other institutions and apply early in the year so that you do not have to worry about applications near the end of the academic year.

Understanding excellence – what makes an achiever?

You must be organised. Being organised does not mean you must have good handwriting, it means planning all your activities and using different sources for studying. An achiever does not procrastinate but sets priorities. Being active in any extramural activities also helps. You must be disciplined and not let unimportant things to distract you.

A message to South African youth in general?

The world has good and bad things, important and not so important. Your daily decisions have the ability to either haunt you in future or be a valuable investment so when you take decisions, really think about the outcomes.

A message to the teachers at your school/s?

Carry on being great teachers, friends, great mentors and career advisors to your learners. Thank you for what you have done for me – I am forever grateful.

If you had ONE opportunity to speak directly to a very influential person, who would you choose and what would you say to them?

I would choose Neil De Grasse Tyson, an American astrophysicist and writer. I would ask him what he thinks the future of the earth looks like?

National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF)