From York to Rhodes and beyond: Turning doubt into distinction

The matric exams are upon us, and most Grade 12 learners probably approach it with some trepidation. York High alumnus Danick Muller has sent in this inspiring contribution to encourage and motivate them for the task ahead and the unknown future awaiting them.

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I still remember sitting in my York High classroom back in 2017, unsure of where life would take me. I wasn't the top student, and a few teachers, perhaps with reason, doubted whether I would go very far academically. Mr Van Tonder, my physical science teacher, stood out, though, and always believed in my intellect. He commented: “He is a very smart student, just sometimes lazy.”

Something deep inside me refused to give up. I didn't know it yet, but those moments of doubt would become the foundation of everything I've achieved since.

After matric, I enrolled at the Nelson Mandela University's George Campus to study for a Bachelor of Commerce Degree. Like many first-year students, I went in with hope and soon faced reality. I started out on a general BCom route, leaning towards accounting, but my first year was rough and it felt like my world was caving in. Coming from a middle-class family, I didn't want to disappoint my parents. Those were humbling days, days of frustration, self-doubt and questioning whether I was cut out for university life.