S.E.T. for socio-economic growth
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Emma would like to see a world with less inequality, where everyone has equal access to basic services such as quality education and healthcare.
I chose to study medicine because I want to help others and make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. I have always been fascinated by the human body and enjoy understanding how it functions. I am also drawn to the practical aspects of medicine and the opportunity to investigate problems and find solutions. The process of figuring out why a patient is sick and determining how best to help them is something that attracts me, as it seems both challenging and rewarding. Ultimately, I wanted to study something that was both intellectually stimulating and purposeful and allowed me to positively impact others.
I was not inspired by a specific person, but rather by my experiences of job shadowing doctors in various hospitals. Observing their work sparked my interest and excitement about pursuing a similar path. I was also inspired by the meaningful impact they have on their patients’ lives and the difference they are able to make. These experiences motivated me to pursue medicine and strive to one day contribute in the same way.
I would like to see a world with less inequality, where everyone has equal access to basic services such as quality education and healthcare. Education is particularly important as it creates opportunities for individuals to build better futures. Equal access to healthcare is also important, particularly in South Africa (SA), as many communities still struggle to receive adequate medical care and resources. I hope that through my career in medicine, I am able to play a role in working towards providing more equitable healthcare services and improving access for disadvantaged communities.
I completed my schooling at Clarendon High School for Girls in East London in the Eastern Cape. My school and teachers played a very important role in my success, and I could not have achieved the results I did without them. I feel privileged to have gone to a school that had access to excellent resources and dedicated teachers who went the extra mile to support us and make sure we were well prepared for exams. Being surrounded by so many academically strong peers also created a competitive but motivating environment which pushed me to continuously work harder and strive for excellence.
I have always loved working with numbers and being intellectually challenged. I also love problem solving and using logical thinking. I particularly enjoyed higher-level questions where I had to apply my knowledge in different ways and think more deeply about concepts. I like the fact that these subjects have clear, objective answers that you work towards, based on rules and principles, rather than personal thoughts or opinions.
Some learners struggle with maths and science because they fall behind early, and since the content builds on prior knowledge, it becomes difficult to catch up. Some learners also have negative mindsets and believe that maths and science are difficult and that they will struggle before they even try. It is important for learners to practise these subjects regularly and to do homework or revise daily so they don’t fall behind. They also shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help when they are struggling to understand, because if they struggle in silence, it will also be easy to fall behind.
Work hard from the start, be consistent, and stay up to date with the content by doing homework or revising every day. Try to have a balanced life by making time for non-academic activities as well. The best way to prepare, especially for subjects like science and maths, is to practice. Do as many past papers as you can so that you can go into the exam well prepared. You should not be afraid to speak up and ask for help if you need it.
I would advise them to have an open mind to different options and not to set their heart on only one course or one institution. Also, don’t give up and keep working hard – even if you didn’t get provisional acceptance into your course or institution or if you think you won’t get accepted, if you work hard and do well in matric finals you can still get accepted. Theres always still possibility that you can do what you want to.
Achievers do have talent, but what leads them to success is hard work and discipline. Achievers put in countless hours when no one is watching. They make sacrifices to ensure their work is always of a high standard. You need to want to achieve the best that you possibly can and be determined and motivated to get there. You also need to have confidence in yourself and your abilities and believe that you can achieve what you set your mind to. The support and help from those around you also play a big role.
You can achieve whatever you put your mind to despite your circumstances. Even if you don’t believe it’s possible, if you work hard enough, are motivated enough, and believe in yourself, you can make it happen.
Thank you for all the effort you put in and for always going the extra mile to ensure we were well prepared for exams. Thank you for always being willing to help me if I was struggling to understand and for helping me find answers to my questions. Thank you for always supporting me and encouraging me to work hard and strive to achieve my best.
I would want to speak to former President of SA, Nelson Mandela. I would want to hear his story from him, thank him for all he did for our country, and ask him for advice on what he would do to improve our country today and make it into the country he envisioned.
S.E.T. for socio-economic growth
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