Running full speed into a new adventure
The 64-year-old Bergbron resident, Maylah Pieterse, is proof that you are only as old as you feel. After spending 44 years as a teacher, Maylah has recently retired, however, she is anything but a typical pensioner.
For some, the saying ‘Age is just a number’ doesn’t hold much water, but Bergbron resident Maylah Pieterse, is proof that you are only as old as you feel.
At 64 years old, Maylah has as much of a spring in her step as a 10-year-old and despite recently going into retirement, she has no plans of slowing down. Maylah retired from her position as a Maths teacher at Laerskool Claremont Primary after spending nearly her entire adult life (44 years) as an educator. She said that while she did not start teaching at Laerskool Claremont, it is where her heart will stay. “Teaching has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. When a child comes to you and says, ‘Thank you teacher, I understand now,’ there is no better feeling,” she smiled.
She believes that the best way to succeed as a teacher is to have a passion for the career, because without passion, the learners cannot succeed. She continued to say that you also need to think of yourself as a second mom. You need to be empathetic and know how to keep your frustration in check, while still making sure you are an authority figure. “You need to come prepared. If you don’t, the kids will eat you alive. Teachers must find ways to connect with the learners and make sure that they are doing everything they can to help. If children in your class don’t respond to a specific way of teaching, you need to be able to adapt and find a method they will respond to,” she said.
Maylah refers to teaching as her calling, so even though she is retiring, she plans to continue with relief teaching and hopes to open a relief centre where children who cannot attend extra lessons can go after school to get help with the work they are struggling with.
While her passion for teaching is certainly commendable, her athletic achievements can put most people to shame. Maylah started running as a sprinter in high school, but her marathon journey began when she was about 23 years old. In 2015, Maylah became the first woman to complete all 25 Om Die Dam marathons since they began in 1991. In the same year, she became a member of the Roodepoort Running Club, and is still a member today.
To date, Maylah has competed in 25 Om Die Dam marathons, 26 Comrades marathons, four 24-hour Marathons, four City to City Marathons, six Loskop Marathons, and 20 RAC Tough One runs. Twice a week, she also teaches an aerobics class at her church and she plans to continue running, even in her retirement. She runs when she is happy and when she is sad. “A run makes you feel better, and the only person you need to compete with is yourself. You just need to set a goal to be your best self,” she said.
