Outstanding Iman
The news came as a total shock to Iman, who did not even realise that something to this extent was possible.
Iman Khan (18) of Port Shepstone Secondary sent waves of elation throughout the local community after her exemplary matric results were made public.
Iman was named the top performing student in Quintile 4 schools within the country.
However, it did not stop there.
Iman also placed second overall in KwaZulu-Natal and went on to place first in the Ugu District.
The news came as a total shock to Iman, who did not even realise that something to this extent was possible.
“I was extremely shocked and humbled to receive the call from the Minister’s office,” said Iman.
Excitement and joy soon followed as Iman and her parents flew to Johannesburg last week, where they attended the National Senior Certificate National Awards last Thursday.
It was here where she got to meet Minister of Basic Education, Angie Motshekga along with a host of other dignitaries.
The awards were broadcast on national television, during which time community members shared in Iman’s glory of 8As and a 96% aggregate. She also achieved 100% in accounting and 99% in mathematics.
Although thrilling, it was also tiring with late nights, early mornings and flights that kept changing.
Last Friday saw Iman at the provincial awards in La Mercy, where she celebrated with fellow top achievers.
“There are thousands of learners who wrote matric and to be amongst the top 10 is crazy,” she said.
Upon sharing her recipe for success, Iman explained that she would ensure she was up to date with her work. Going over content beforehand and constantly revising during the week meant Iman was always prepared in the classroom.
“I also owe it to my teachers. They were always willing to sit down and help alleviate content confusion,” said Iman.
She also attributes her success to prayer, self-confidence and a very supportive family.
Iman’s mom, Nasreen Khan describes her as a calm, bubbly young woman. “She is very independent and systematic so I didn’t have to force her to learn. I was in tears when I heard the news because it was so unexpected,” said Nasreen.
Last year, Iman was also named dux of school where she bagged eight subject awards.
The 2021 matric cohort was the hardest hit academically, having to withstand two years of Covid-19 as well as the July riots last year.
Therefore, one can appreciate the magnitude of being named a top achiever by the end of it.
Iman is off to the University of Cape Town where she will study medicine, and thereafter specialise in genetic research.
Her alma mater wishes her every success in ensuring her treasured career goals become a reality.
Her advice to the class of 2022 is as follows, “Let consistency be your miracle and self confidence your panacea. Let humility be the basis for which you lead your life.”
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