S.E.T. for socio-economic growth
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Susan would like to see a world where everyone has the opportunity to live out their full potential.
I felt called to use the talents I was gifted with to make a genuine difference in the lives of the people and communities around me. I loved the ‘hard science’ of physics and mathematics and considered actuarial science and engineering for a long time, but I did not feel that these careers gave me the opportunity to impact the lives of others quite so directly as medicine. As a Christian, I also feel that this is a career that aligns with my faith and values, as well as my caring personality.
My grandfather was injured in a fire when I was 12, and due to his age and the severity of his injuries, it was unlikely that he would survive. His trauma surgeon made the conscious decision to disregard his prognosis and spare no expense to not only save his life but ensure his quality of life by not amputating his limbs when it was the logical next step. The commitment of his whole health team, including occupational therapists and clinical psychologists etc., motivated me to one day be able to do that for someone else and their family.
I would like to live in a world where everyone has the opportunity to live out their full potential. Many people have the talents and work ethic to achieve success, but are held back by circumstances like a lack of access to education or an unsafe environment. I see myself contributing to this by being an active member of my community, addressing any needs when they are noticed and being involved with organisations that help to provide safe environments, especially for children in need.
I matriculated at Bethlehem Voortrekker High School (BVHS) in Bethlehem in the Eastern Free State. Although BVHS is a relatively small, rural school, we punch well above our weight. BVHS allowed me to compete at a national level in hockey, athletics, public speaking, debating, and drama. Thanks to a motivated, knowledgeable and passionate team of teachers behind me, I was able to achieve my academic goals. They supported and motivated me all the way.
It may sound counterintuitive, but I have never been a numbers person. What I loved about physical science and maths was the problem-solving aspect of it. I loved being confronted by something that did not make sense, and after working on it for a few minutes and applying principles and knowledge that have been proven time and time again, seeing the logic and reason behind it. Unlike life, maths and physics always make sense, and if they don’t, you most likely made a mistake and need to try again.
I strongly believe a teacher’s approach to maths and science makes all the difference in a child’s performance. Children are naturally interested in science. Why else would they ask questions like, “Why is grass green?” The education system has a way of dimming this flame and turning maths and science into mundane, boring topics. If you can keep someone interested in science, they will enjoy learning about it, and naturally perform better.
Find balance. If you are only focusing on your academic work, you will not only work yourself to death, but also bore yourself to death and kill your productivity. Fire up that dopamine by participating in a sports or cultural activity that you enjoy and spending time with the people you love. Academics is an individual sport, but you need a team supporting you to achieve success. Surround yourself with like-minded, well-rounded friends and lean on your family or teachers for support; you will need it.
Apply everywhere if you are able and try your best to stay on top of the admin associated with the application process. Ensure you meet all the criteria and do everything required of you before the due dates, like writing your National Benchmark Test (NBT) on time if you need to. Ensure that you apply to ‘safety courses’ that you are sure you will be accepted to in order to avoid disappointment. A well-rounded resume of sports, cultural and leadership participation is just as important as your marks, so make sure you have something to fill in every block.
An achiever is anyone who goes beyond what was expected of them due to their circumstances or personal barriers. Whether that means achieving distinctions, a bachelor’s pass, or being the first person in your family to pass matric, it is different for every person. It can be juggling your schoolwork while helping to care for your family, or it can be overcoming a disability. Success comes in many shapes and forms, and it does not need to be big to be worthy of recognition. The most important characteristic of an achiever is that they are humble and willing to help others.
We are capable of great things if we realise that we alone are responsible for our future. We have to put in the work to improve our own lives, the circumstances in our communities, and South Africa (SA) as a whole. Nothing in this life is free; everything requires some form of effort, and if you are not willing to put in the work, you should not be allowed to complain. We can only move forward if we work together to create a country in which we all can flourish.
Thank you for every minute of hard work you invested in my future and the futures of my classmates. Without good teachers, no society can function, so thank you for choosing a career in the service of tomorrow. Thank you for showing me the value of a balanced high-school career and preparing me well for a life outside the classroom.
I would like to meet President Cyril Ramaphosa and suggest to him that instead of appointing career politicians as Ministers, experts in the specific field should be appointed, e.g., a successful businessman as Minister of Trade and Industry, or an experienced chartered accountant as Minister of Finance. You would not employ an unqualified person to run your business; why would you employ them to run your country? SA does not have a lack of professional knowledge, but this knowledge is not harnessed to improve the lives of South Africans, and I believe that if skilled, qualified people are placed in charge, this could change.
S.E.T. for socio-economic growth
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