Waterkloof learner receives Top Gauteng Academic learner of 2021 award
“I have learned so much of myself the last few months. I am capable of more than I thought I could; I am stronger and I have stamina.”
On Friday, Kristen Erasmus of Hoërskool Waterkloof was named the top academic learner in Gauteng of the matric class of 2021.
The 18-year-old received the prestigious award during an event held by the Gauteng education department at the Birchwood hotel.
She boasts a total of eight distinctions, including Alpha Maths.
Kirsten said the award surpassed her wildest dreams.
“I was sitting on the couch at home drinking coffee when I received a call from Waterkloof school principal Chris Denysschen.
“He informed me that I was invited to the event, but I had no idea why.
“It is all thanks to the power and talent God has given me.”
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Erasmus is starting her BCom Accounting Sciences studies at the University of Pretoria soon.
“I want to go into this field because I love working with numbers.
“Accounting was one of my favourite subjects and there are several jobs one can do with a CA qualification.”
Kristen said at first for some reason she wanted to be a dance instructor.
She shared her special ritual which she followed during exams.
“In the mornings before I wrote the exam, I drank coffee from my blue polka dot cup. Afterwards, when I studied again, I drank from my pink bushbaby cup. Then it was my purple owl cup’s turn and lastly my white bunny cup.
“I don’t know where that came from,” she giggled.
One thing few people know about her is that she has a fish phobia.
“Apart from not eating it, I don’t like fish – alive or dead.
“Any bug makes me squeamish and I never walk barefoot.”
Her advice to the matric class of 2022 is to be adaptable and to take one day at a time.
“Do not hold on to rigid ideas of how your matric year should be, but make the best of your time and use it effectively.
“Also make time for fun!”
She sees herself as a CEO of a top company one day.
“I want to see the world,” she said.
“I have learned so much of myself the last few months. I am capable of more than I thought I could; I am stronger and I have stamina.”
Kristen wants to thank every teacher, classmate and family member for their support.
“Everyone walked the extra mile. I do not regret making Waterkloof my high school.
“Every call and message that I received on Friday was so special.”
Her core values include loyalty, being hardworking, respect, honesty and integrity.
If there is one person Kirsten wants to pose for a photo with, it is the mayor of Johannesburg, Mpho Phalatse.
“She personifies everything I admire in a person and especially in strong women.”
Kristen listens to a mixture of pop music, movie soundtracks and musicals as well as country music.
“My favourite film genre is rom coms. And when it comes to TV series, there isn’t one I have missed.”
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