Matric is done and dusted, so what now?

Matric is done and dusted, so what now?

Dear Class of 2024.

By the time you read this you will already know what your Matric results are.

For some of you it will be a time of celebration, for others a time to reflect on what might have been.

Irrespective of the result, rest assured that no single event has the power to make you or break you, not without you allowing it. It will be a milestone, but certainly not the last.

You live in a world where it is your oyster, connected like never before in all history. A world that rewards endeavour and effort. Couple this with innovation and invention and nothing is out of reach, just as it was and always has been for the individual determined and fully committed to succeed.

The options are vast with tertiary studies probably leading the way. There is also the call to entrepreneurship, police or military service, teaching, working (and studying), a gap year, cruise ships, teaching English in a foreign land etc. The opportunities abound, for those willing to seek them and explore with courage, vigour and enthusiasm.

Two keystones that have served me, in my journey from school to campus to corporate to entrepreneurship is:

1.       Never stop learning

2.       Be willing to fail, learn from the failure, integrate and go again.

It is those that always seek to learn new skills and who have the courage to fail, many times over, that increase their likelihood to succeed. You either win or learn.

As a baby, when you were learning to walk you would have fallen many times, yet persevered, simply because you had no fear or context of failure back then.  It was just another exciting opportunity to try again in an amazing new world. Rediscover this mind-set and use it to serve yourself and others.

Commit to a culture of incredible service, go the extra mile and always ask yourself how you can best the serve the greatest number with the greatest impact to society. That is surely a way to fulfilment and ultimately success.

I salute you, go well and change the World. May the Force be with you