With an average of 86% and a whopping six distinctions, Tairique Cloete is one of Vredenberg High School’s top matric 2020 candidates.
The 18-year-old describes this as the outcome of a year that began with a clean slate, when everyone was oblivious to what lay ahead.
“The pandemic we faced was unknown, not just in schools but in all aspects of life,” he said.
Tairique says the class of 2020 faced many challenges and questions not knowing if the online classes would be a success, if there would even be an academic year, and if there was to be one would they succeed?
Nevertheless, in the midst of these challenges he kept his eyes on his goal and his books. Tairique explained that in preparation for his exams he created a study timetable and followed it strictly.
“I summarised all my work and created acronyms, rhymes and stories to remember long stories and working through old exam papers,” he related.
About being an A candidate of his school, Tairique says he is proud to represent Vredenburg High. “It shows its teachers did a great job,” he said. “I had to earn this accomplishment by learning to embrace failure and not evade it.” Support from his family also carried Tairique through, especially his mother. “I admire her dedication, taking annual leave during my exam time just to make sure I study, and she assured me I could do it.” Tairique has now set his sights on becoming a chartered accountant.
“I want to be part of changing the economy in South Africa and creating a better society,” he said. Like any other journey it will have its stops and obstacles, but he’s confident “with my mind, heart and soul in it, it is not impossible”.
