Ready to embark on new learning curve in 2014
There are as many skills to be learnt outside of the classroom as there are inside it.
POLOKWANE – There are as many skills to be learnt outside of the classroom as there are inside it.
Ilhaam Tayob (18), one of Mitchell House College’s top gr. 12 learners of 2013 strongly believes this, and in so doing, is excited about the new learning curve she is now entering.
She spent her entire school career at Mitchell House and besides languages and life orientation, her subjects included mathematics, biology, physical sciences, and accounting. She obtained two distinctions in the senior certificate examinations and was named the number two best learner in her grade.
“My favourite subjects were biology and chemistry. I enjoyed biology because it was a subject I could easily relate to. It was interesting to learn about the human body and how it functions. I loved chemistry because I enjoyed doing experiments and found the subject stimulating.”
When she was seven years old, she wanted to become an artist because she enjoyed drawing, but at 18 years old, she hopes to enter the health science faculty of a university. “My final results will help me decide where I will be going.”
Ilhaam says one of the challenges of her school years was to find balance between academic, social and extra-mural activities. “The structured school sports programme sometimes hindered my academic work, but was important as we could have some fun on the courts with our classmates. On the social front, I went out with my friends and family whenever I could. I participated in quite a few extra-mural activities but found it quite challenging to allocate time for everything in my gr. 12 year.
“My grandfather passed away suddenly just before my preliminary examinations, and it took me quite a while to get back into things.”
During her high school years she participated in athletics, hockey, netball and tennis, and also had a go at playing cricket. “I participated in quite a few extra-mural activities in high school, including public speaking, debating, science club, business club, chess and scrapbooking. I think that it is important to participate in sport and extra mural activities because they serve as a good break between all the studying, especially in gr 12. It also allows you to de-stress and just have some fun.”
Ilhaam also did her share of community service. “I raised money for, and attended the Cansa Relay For Life almost every year. I worked at the Samaritan Centre doing house chores and reading and playing with the children. It was extremely rewarding. I participated in collecting food cans on Mandela Day and visited the provincial hospital with my school to give care kits to the patients. That was probably the highlight of my year. The patients were so appreciative. Spreading goodwill on Madiba’s birthday is something I will commit to for my lifetime.”
Her role model has always been her mother.
“She’s independent, strong, loving and a good listener. She is passionate about what she does, and doesn’t give up easily. These are traits I aspire to.
“My dad, mom and two younger brothers were extremely supportive. They encouraged me consistently and always believed in me. I am very grateful to be blessed with such a great family who I can always count on.”
In five years she hopes to be an independent, successful, spirited woman with a passion for what she does.
