OPINION: My message to the class of 2023
Journalist gives some advice for the class of 2023 who is facing a new chapter in their life.
• Kea Mojaji writes:
Matriculants of 2023 all over the West Rand recently received their results.
The national senior certificate will allow them to either study further or pursue another career path but one thing is for certain, they will by now have an idea of what the future holds. Be it as it may, the thought of looking forward to life after 12 years of schooling can be overwhelming and rather frightening.
Firstly, the next few years might be scary for parents in particular as their children who are all grown up will leave for university. The thought of employment is also at the back of everyone’s mind. It can be hard. In school, it’s safe to say there was always a consistent routine. You knew who your teachers were, you knew who your friends were and you knew which extracurriculars were your favourite. However, in university, it’s a whole reset to some degree (excuse the pun) and you have to prepare for the unexpected.
But this does not have to be a daunting prospect.
For those going to university and their first year, you will have to get used to doing certain things on your own as opposed to relying on your parents. Some of you will even be living in another residence or accommodation offered by the institution. This in turn will teach many of you to be more responsible.
The most important thing to remember for many learners is that taking your first adult steps also means you will not be able to get away with the mistakes you made in school. As you get older, the consequences become more harsh and how you deal with the consequences is what will help shape you into someone more mature. It is important though to also remember that you are not alone as you embark on this new journey. Parents also need to understand that at this stage of the child’s life, mistakes will be made, bad decisions too and it’s important to be aware that matriculants can still be uncertain about what they want out of life.
For matriculants, regardless of whether they intend on studying or taking a gap year, they need to understand how challenging life can be and never take anything for granted. Explore your options try different things and have a sense of direction.
