The anxiety is a natural human feeling which engulfs all human beings when they are confronted with a possible outcome they cannot control. This is because society has unfortunately created this two dimensional frame of mind which looks at our educational journeys as either a pass or a fail, it leaves no space for second chances. As matriculants patiently wait for their results they should bear in mind that whatever the outcome is, it is only a window through which greater improvement lies. As in the words of the late Nelson Mandela when he said "after climbing a great hill, one finds that there are many more hills to climb". That is the spirit which we need to approach both our academic life and more importantly our life in general.
This applies to young people who will be going to tertiary institutions across the country, to be a young person in such a vast and unpredictable digital era is not easy, things might appear faster and easier but the transition is a very bumpy ride. Leaving home, starting new friendships and encountering academic stresses all have a big burden on our young shoulders, however it will be our eagerness for a better life that will carry us through all those supposed challenges. So as we all get ready to engage with the world and bring to it our own diverse perspectives, let us do so with more kindness, more compassion, less hate, more love and most importantly empathy. As we transition to becoming young adults, lets remember to be more careful around our use of alcohol, even as we explore let's remember to steer clear from drug use and ensure we condomise and keep safe.
To the teachers of our great schools who continue being the engine of human development, unlocking potential, identifying skill and sharing knowledge, thank you. Teaching is a vocation, and through your dedication and consistency you inspire a generation and you change lives, continue with your hard work and ensure many more lives are changed.
I wish we all have a productive and prosperous new year full of opportunity.
[Thank you, Alex Manise]