Sandown High’s Esona Malangabi unearths success with four distinctions
Sandown High School star Esona Malangabi strikes gold with her impressive matric results, earning her a spot on a full scholarship at the University of Pretoria.
Sandown High School’s class of 2024 matriculant, Esona Malangabi, has achieved an impressive feat of getting four distinctions in her matric exams.
Her impressive results in maths, life sciences, Afrikaans, and geography have not only made her proud but have also earned her a spot at the prestigious University of Pretoria, where she will be pursuing a degree in mining engineering on a fully paid scholarship.
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Malangabi said her journey to academic excellence was not an easy one. As the eldest daughter in her family, she felt a strong sense of responsibility to make her family proud.
She recalls facing pressure from family and teachers due to their high expectations from her. However, she soon realised that they saw her potential more than she did herself. This realisation fuelled her determination to work hard and achieve her goals.
“I had to prioritise my academics over extracurricular activities. There were times when I had to sacrifice sleep and social events, but it was all worth it in the end. My hard work has finally paid off and I’m now reaping the rewards of my dedication,” Malangabi said.
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Malangabi added that her success is not just a result of her own efforts but also the support of her loved ones. Her parents and teachers played a significant role in her journey, providing encouragement and guidance whenever she needed it.
“My mom would often stay up with me late at night as I studied, and my dad was my source of motivation. My teachers were also incredibly supportive, always willing to help me understand difficult concepts,” she said.
Despite facing challenges in subjects like maths and physics, Esona persevered and sought help whenever she needed it. Her determination and resilience have equipped her with the skills she needs to succeed in university and beyond. “I believe that discipline and determination are essential tools for achieving success,” she said.
As Malangabi prepares to take on the challenges of university life, she offered words of advice to her peers.
“Put in the hard work and effort early. Don’t deceive yourself and say you’ll put in more effort only in finals. No matter how difficult it may be, just keep the momentum, and I promise you won’t regret it. Be prepared to make sacrifices, especially if you’re aiming for excellence,” Malangabi concluded.
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