Not only did Samhaa Seedat achieve the highest number of distinctions among St Andrews School for Girls matriculants, but the 18-year-old has also made the Independent Examinations Board (IEB) outstanding and commendable achievements list for finishing within the top five percent of pupils in six or more subjects.
Last Thursday the NEWS caught up with Samhaa, who obtained distinctions in all her 10 subjects namely; English, Afrikaans, life orientation, mathematics, accounting, life sciences, physical sciences, geography, AP mathematics and AP English.
She said she has always enjoyed school.
Asked what her highlights have been since starting school, Samhaa said being elected as the head girl in 2015. “Also, now that it is all over, I have to say getting the results and having done so well is a great highlight and a great way to leave school,” she said.
Although Samhaa has been admitted to study medicine at Wits University as well as the University of Cape Town, she said she is likely to choose the former.
She attributed her success to constant hard work and support from her teachers.
“We were never made to feel alone. Teachers would even stay behind after school to assist us with work that we didn’t understand,” said the 18-year-old aspiring doctor.
Samhaa said those aspiring to achieve great results should not underestimate themselves.
“Don’t think you cannot be that person. You can be an exception. Yes it takes a lot of work and sometimes sacrifice, but you can do it. Work at it,” said Samhaa.
100 percent of the pupils at St Andrews received a Bachelor’s Degree pass.
The school also boasts a total of 225 distinctions and an average of three distinctions per pupil.
In her spare time Samhaa likes to watch football games as well as reading and spending time with family.
