It’s been so exciting listening to all the wonderful stories of all our matriculants for the year of 2018. Many have overcome great adversity but have still managed to make it right to the end.
In the excitement however, we may forget those who have not managed to pass and what they may be going through.
It took a social media post from my colleague Bobby Brown to remind me of those students putting on a brave face but “feeling quietly dejected, panicked and even feeling worthless inside.”
Even in this dark space there is good news, and this is not the end. We are not measured by failure but by our resilience and the ability to stand up again and again no matter how many times we get knocked down.
I read this wonderful story about a young man who was in this boat thinking what his life could be but managed to turn it all around and achieve great success at the tender age of 21.
Siyakholwa Zazini failed his matric exams in 2014, but it would be the beginning of the rest of his life.
Zazini posted on his Facebook page that he was initially overcome with sadness and depression. But he picked himself up, and quite literally took flight. He aced his exams when he re-took them the following year and went on to work in a supermarket to make ends meet.
With his improved grades in tow, it wasn’t long until opportunity came knocking. He was accepted onto a flight training course and in 2018, he successfully qualified as a private pilot, at the tender age of 21.
Siya shared some salient advice via his social media page, and they’re words we can all live by:
“If you fail, always remember that you’re not the first one to fail. People before you have failed and then went back to claim victory. It’s also important to remember that athletes start their race together but finish at different times. We’re all going to make it but that all depends on our efforts… Don’t allow people to intimidate you with their criticism.”
Siya’s tips for success are inspiring stuff. Zazini has also developed a seven-point checklist for young South Africans looking to achieve their dreams. His pearls of wisdom include accepting your own mistakes, and having the ability to keep yourself in check:
- Acknowledge your mistakes.
- Ignore all the negativity.
- Self-motivation brings your best performance.
- Self-discipline helps improve decision making.
- Don’t compare yourself with others.
- Remain in your route and stay focused.
- Never let them belittle you.
Siya really is an inspiration to us all and if you are one of those students who feels you could have done better remember to shake it off, start over again and you will be sure to succeed.
