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| Attiyah Naidoo with her numerous trophies. |
Interview by Priya Ranchod
Attiyah Naidoo, a matric 2019 learner from Liverpool Secondary School was chosen to represent her school at the Ekurhuleni matric 2019 awards evening held on 29th January 2020 at the Alberton City Hall, Ekurhuleni North District awards held on 7th February 2019 and Project Distinction which took place 22 February 2020 at Alpha Primary Sschool. She took 2nd place at Ekurhuleni and District awards, overall winner at Project Distinction and top learner from her school and got a total of 8 distinctions in her final matric results with an aggregate of 92%.
BT (Benoni Times): How was your experience to receive the Ekurhuleni awards, District and Project Distinctions?
AN (Attiyah Naidoo): My experience at the Ekurhuleni Academic Excellence Awards Ceremony, District and Project Distinction was surreal and nothing short of been perfect. The event was exceptionally organised and no stone was left unturned in honouring the awardees. This day is definitely going to be a memorable milestone in my academic career
BT: How do you feel being on the top and who encouraged you a lot?
AN: Having successfully achieved results that put me on the top, I feel very satisfied and content. I was continually encouraged by my parents, sister, teachers and tutors to aim for the sky and to push my limits. Seeing their proud faces today simply amplifies my joy.
BT: What is your message to young people out there?
AN: My message to all young people out there is to be the best version of yourself that you can possibly be. As youth we hold the power to revolutionize our lives. We cannot be tied by the shackles of society and our oppressive environments. In the 21st century we get to create the type of world we want to live in! We cannot waste that opportunity.
BT: What will you be studying?
AN: I will be studying Medicine at Wits.
BT: How does it feel to achieve the best?
AN: Having achieved Second Position in the City of Ekurhuleni, is a very rewarding feeling. Maintaining stellar results throughout the matric year is a very taxing job that requires sacrifices, dedication and discipline. It is an amazing feeling when this hard work is rewarded.
BT: What was your greatest challenge in matric
AN: Matric was indeed a challenging year. One of the greatest hurdles been the volume of work and the limited time period in which to complete it all. However, working consistently, working hard and smart can make the academic year much simpler and more manageable.
BT: What was the most difficult challenge studying and completing matric?
AN: Studying for matric is no different from studying for other major exams, with the exception of few key factors. The stress and pressure that stems from the limelight and importance that matric results are given at a national level. The expectation and hope and desires that their parents, relatives and communities have of them. University requirements, funding issues, applying for bursaries etc. All these play a ginormous role is making the matric year seem tenfold more intimidating than it actually is. It’s important to simply keep your head above the water, address one task at a time and stay on top of your game.
BT: How do you feel completing matric under difficult circumstance?
AN: Matric at Liverpool Secondary School was not easy due to a rough environment, a few sudden tragedies as well as being surrounded by peers who were not always academically driven. But with the support of exceptional teachers Matric at Liverpool SS was successful. I am now off to Wits to pursue a degree in Medicine and being a step closer to my ultimate goal makes the challenges of high school life seem very worth it.
BT: Who is your role model and why?
AN: Undoubtedly it is my mother. I lead by her example and she has set an excellent one for me to follow. Remaining steadfast in the face of adversity, standing up taller after falling down and uplifting and empowering others – are some of the sacred lessons I’ve learnt from her journey.
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