S.E.T. for socio-economic growth
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Matthew would like to see a world where everybody on our planet is given equal opportunities to learn and discover their talents.
The field of data science and machine learning really interested me as I progressed through high school. I loved the idea of using such logical processes and techniques to make sense of what is going on around us. Turning what just looks like numbers and chaos into useful information and even predictions for the future fascinated me. I believe that statistics and data science are game-changing skills for such a broad range of different fields and industries. This naturally led me to choose to study statistics and data science, as well as computer science.
My job-shadowing experience in Grade 11 was a massive inspiration. I job shadowed at a few different companies, and I am so grateful for the opportunities I had to speak to different people in the field and learn about the projects they are involved in. My favourite was a company focused on using data science and machine learning tools for humanitarian initiatives and community development. It was so inspiring to hear how they are providing the benefits of technological advancements, which would otherwise only be available to big companies and the private sector, to less privileged communities to improve their lives.
If everybody on our planet were given equal opportunities to learn and discover their talents, this would give everybody the power to succeed. Many of the problems we are facing today stem from the fact that different groups of people were intentionally not given the opportunities they needed to succeed. I hope to do my bit to improve access to opportunities by helping to improve access to essential services or resources in less advantaged communities, whether it is education or improved financial health, by using my skills that would usually just be used to maximise the profits of big corporates.
I matriculated from Pinelands High School in Cape Town and loved every minute of my five years there, and found it a very well-rounded experience. I always felt like I had been well prepared for exams, as the teachers always went the extra mile to provide support and extra classes. Outside of academics, one of the things I most appreciated was the effort they put into transformation and listening to the voices of the learners. Due to the numerous learners and staff-run committees, there was always a sense of a communal striving for change and growth, which is so important.
I always loved maths and physical science at school, as they allowed me to stretch myself, expand my thinking, and solve problems in a way that I really loved. The endless intricacies of mathematics provided an endless number of branches to explore. I was always fascinated by how concepts in maths are found everywhere, from physics to machine learning and finance. The interconnection between maths and physical science was always so mind-blowing. I found it amazing how everything happening in the world around me could be explained by maths, and this drove my desire to know more and dive deeper.
Maths and science definitely require a deep understanding of the subject to succeed. They require you to problem-solve differently than other subjects, and this can make them tricky. I think the most important thing to do if you are struggling with these subjects is to go into them with a mindset of wanting to know what is going on beneath the surface. Do not just blindly accept and memorise everything thrown at you. Have an inquisitive mind and ask lots of questions. This will make your learning experience so much more rewarding and enjoyable.
It is vitally important to start working early. Set goals for yourself at the beginning of the year, and break these down into smaller, achievable steps. Do not wait until a few weeks before exams to start working. By working consistently throughout the year, you are much more likely to achieve your full potential. I believe that working hard from the beginning is also the best way to balance your life and avoid burnout during exams, as it will allow you to take time off to do things you enjoy consistently throughout the year, even during the busy exam periods.
Making sure you research all the options available to you early in the year is so important. Use all the resources available to you, whether it is the internet, open days, mentors, or other connections. These days, we are spoilt for choice when it comes to the number of different tertiary institutions and qualifications available to us. Look for a way to combine your interests and skills into something that will be valuable to society and that will allow you to have a positive impact, so that you can use the gifts you have been given to their full potential.
Anybody can be an achiever. An achiever is somebody who works hard to reach their goals. Simply being born talented at something does not guarantee you will succeed. To truly succeed requires hard work. It means being able to identify and play to your strengths while working on your weaknesses. To achieve your full potential requires you to make sacrifices, and most importantly, it requires resilience. Everybody will face challenges on the path to achieving their goals. An achiever is able to be resilient and focused during these difficult times, while also not being afraid to ask for help.
Every generation has a different set of challenges that it faces. Every generation, therefore, has an opportunity to overcome these challenges together. It is up to us to foster a good mindset and culture so that we can tackle these problems head-on, and that starts from a young age. However cliché it sounds, you are never too young to make a difference! Let us build the right habits and apply ourselves in whatever we find ourselves doing in our current stage of life, so that we will be well prepared to do whatever it is we are called to in the future.
I would like to say a huge thank you to every single teacher at my school. I was always aware of and so grateful for the fact that all my teachers were so enthusiastic about their job, making class and learning in general an engaging and enjoyable experience. I never once felt like we had not been given enough resources or support to succeed. Every single teacher contributed to a positive, joyous culture and learning environment at school, and because of this, I am so grateful for every single one of you, whether I was in your class or not.
I think it would be incredibly inspiring to speak to Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani education activist, especially considering the current situation regarding the Taliban’s ban on education for girls. The work she has done and continues to do is critical, and I would like to thank her for it, as well as learn how she acted with such immense bravery. The way she stood up and spoke out for the right to equal education for all, despite the danger, should be an example to all of us and should remind us to never take education for granted.
S.E.T. for socio-economic growth
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