From shy caterpillar to confident butterfly
She became the first violinist to play on stage at Reddford House The Hills.
Mokgadi Macheka has had it hard as far back as she can remember. Entering high school is never easy and she joined Reddford House The Hills a reserved, lonely, anxiety-ridden girl expecting the worst because of previous experiences.
“I inched through my first day like a caterpillar; spoilt green for choice, but cautious with every bite out of a leaf.”
Reddford House changed her life, a change and experience that neither she nor her teachers and peers saw coming. Slowly growing from caterpillar to chrysalis, taking time to grow and mature before it spreads its vibrant, colourful wings.
One out of many fine aspects of Reddford, according to Mokgadi, is the power of individual self-expression. Having taken violin lessons since she was five, achieving level five qualifications from the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, she took the brave step that her customary shyness would never permit. She became the first violinist to play on stage at Reddford House The Hills.
Grade 11 heralded distinction after distinction, merit after merit and placement after placement. With Reddford actively encouraging every student to achieve something, whether it be sports, public speaking, ReddArts, Cognitive Carousel or academics.
She had no idea she could achieve such a plethora of medals, certificates and placements, including in the IEB International Benchmark Tests in the top 200 for English. The chrysalis was starting to split.
The time soon came to campaign for the Senior Executive Council (SEC) for the class of 2020. It was time for her to wiggle out of her chrysalis. Sleepless nights, tossing and turning, chocolate and tears, stomach churning and churning, it was beyond her control once the votes were cast by the students and staff.
The day came and she wandered through lessons like a butterfly awkwardly trying to spread its wings for the first time.
Mokgadi explains: “I will always remember the day I became a Senior Executive Council member. All the teachers who believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. All the votes I received from students who I didn’t know even looked at me, nor knew my name.
“But that day, I proved to myself that I could do anything in life. I could do anything as long as I believe in myself and as long as others believe in me. The support of the staff, students and friends wrapped me in a warm hug before I took flight. My wings were navy, gold and white.
“My experience at Reddford changed my life forever. The best decision I have ever made was deciding to join the Reddford family at The Hills. Last year was difficult, but the Class of 2020 flew confidently and made it through adversity together. After all, the Reddford House motto is ‘I Am because We Are’.”
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