Key Takeaways
- Siza Gule and Menzi Bongwe, two top achievers from St John’s College, have secured places at Harvard University in the United States after achieving nine distinctions in their matric exams.
- Both students demonstrated exceptional academic excellence, leadership skills, and extracurricular commitments, making them ideal candidates for Harvard’s prestigious academic programs.
- Gule plans to explore law, politics, and theatre through Harvard’s flexible liberal arts system, while Bongwe intends to study economics at Harvard College.
- The students attribute their success to careful time management, setting boundaries, and the support of their family, teachers, and peers.
- They encourage future matriculants to embrace hard work, perseverance, and to believe in their ability to achieve their dreams.
Introduction to Siza Gule and Menzi Bongwe
Siza Gule and Menzi Bongwe, two outstanding students from St John’s College, have made headlines by securing places at Harvard University in the United States. Their remarkable achievement is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and academic excellence. Both students achieved nine distinctions in their matric exams, demonstrating their exceptional abilities and potential for success. In this article, we will delve into the stories of these two talented individuals, exploring their academic journeys, their experiences, and their aspirations for the future.
Academic Achievements and Leadership Roles
Gule described the moment he received his matric results as a mix of relief and gratitude. He obtained nine distinctions, including English, mathematics, physical sciences, French, advanced programme (AP) English, AP mathematics, and life orientation. Additionally, Gule served as head boy, a role that tested his ability to balance academic pressure with leadership duties. He credited this experience with teaching him resilience, planning, and self-discipline. Bongwe, who also achieved nine distinctions, attributed his success to careful time management and setting boundaries. His distinctions included English, core mathematics, physical sciences, history, drama, AP English, and AP mathematics.
From St John’s to Harvard
Gule has received an offer to study at Harvard from August, where he plans to explore law, politics, and theatre through the university’s flexible liberal arts system. He is excited about the multidisciplinary model, which will allow him to combine his interests in law and politics with his passion for drama and literature. Bongwe, on the other hand, has been pre-accepted to Harvard College, where he plans to study economics. He described the application process as "gruelling," involving entrance exams, essays, and balancing school commitments. Both students are thrilled about the opportunity to study at one of the world’s most prestigious academic institutions and are eager to take their academic excellence to the next level.
Balancing Excellence and Pressure
Bongwe acknowledged that the year was demanding but rewarding. He credited his family, teachers, and peers for their support, saying, "There are so many people who made all of this possible. I wouldn’t have been able to do this without them." Gule also emphasized the importance of support, saying that his experience as head boy taught him the value of resilience, planning, and self-discipline. Both students demonstrated an ability to balance academic pressure with extracurricular commitments, showcasing their exceptional time management skills and dedication to their studies.
Advice to Future Matriculants
Both Gule and Bongwe encouraged future matriculants to embrace hard work and perseverance. Gule advised, "In order to achieve, you are also going to have to put in a lot of work. It will be uncomfortable, and you have to be comfortable with that." Bongwe echoed this sentiment, saying, "If you have dreams and aspirations, there’s nothing that isn’t possible if you really put your mind to it." Their advice serves as a testament to the importance of dedication, hard work, and believing in one’s ability to achieve their goals.
Conclusion and Future Plans
As Gule and Bongwe prepare to embark on their academic journey at Harvard, they intend to rest, give back through tutoring, and reflect on a journey that has taken them from South African classrooms to one of the most prestigious academic stages. Their stories serve as an inspiration to future generations of students, demonstrating that with hard work, dedication, and perseverance, anything is possible. As they take their leave from St John’s College, they carry with them the knowledge, skills, and experience that will enable them to excel at Harvard and beyond.