THE POWER OF DETERMINATION AND PERSEVERANCE

This is a true story about a learner who choose to better himself and made all his believes a reality. He genuinely agreed to share his story and methods that one can use to become a better person. (This blog is written in first person, the words are from the learner.)

Picture of Mr Maleka.

As I sat down to reflect on my journey, I was filled with mix emotions , pride, gratitude, and a sense of accomplishment. My name is Blessing Tebogo Maleka ,and I was born on May 31, 2007, in Mountain View Zone 2, Kwa Mhlanga. My story is one of overcoming obstacles, staying focused, and achieving desired goals.

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Background

Family

My father is a priest so most of the time he is not at home but at church. I stay with my Mother, 2 older brothers, one of them is in college and the other is unemployed and my 2 nephews who are also in high school. My mother is the breadwinner at home, sometimes we get financial aid from my other siblings. I'm the 7th child and last born. Only one of my siblings has went to university.

Academics

When I arrived at KwaMhlanga Senior Secondary School in 2023, I found it hard to adjust to new subjects. I was studying, but in the wrong way, so that made me an average learner, getting Level 5s with my highest level being Level 5. In Grade 10, I was not even using past papers to practice. I had no knowledge on how to study.

In Grade 11, everything went south, and my marks dropped by a large margin, from getting Level 5s to Level 3 and 4. I was not putting much effort into my books because I had told myself that I am a disappointment. I didn't give my books a lot of attention until the third term. I started watching YouTube videos on how to improve my marks. It was then that I came across Ta Mdizo's YouTube channel, I can say curiosity changed everything.

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1. Struggles and Triumphs

At one point, I felt like I was surrounded by disappointment and frustration. Many things didn't go as planned, and I felt like I was losing my way. But I refused to give up. I kept pushing forward, driven by my desire to succeed. I looked up to role models like Mahlangu, Lesedi Maybe(Top achieving learners from my school) who inspired me to work hard and strive for excellence. I also drew motivation from YouTube videos by Ta Mdizo and also a top achiever in 2024 Olwethu Shangase.

2. The Power of Positive Influences

Watching Ta Mdizo's videos on YouTube was a game-changer for me. He was a guiding light, showing me how to improve my marks and achieve my goals. Lesedi Maybe also played a significant role in my journey, providing me with valuable strategies and encouragement to stay on track. Their influence helped me stay focused and motivated, even when things got tough.

3. Staying Positive and Focused

Throughout my journey, I kept repeating positive affirmations to myself, such as "I can and I will." I also made a conscious effort to feed my mind with positive thoughts, even in difficult moments. I wrote down my marks on a piece of paper and posted it on the wall, reminding myself of my progress every day. This simple act kept me going and motivated me to continue striving for excellence.

4. Lessons Learned

My journey has taught me valuable lessons about perseverance, determination, and the importance of staying positive. I've learned that success is not a destination, but a journey that requires hard work, dedication, and resilience. I've also learned that the right influences and mindset can make all the difference in achieving our goals. Every time I come across difficulties , I'd kneel and pray and seek for guidance.

The Power of Effective Study Habits and Strategies

As I reflect on my academic journey, I realize that developing effective study habits and strategies has been crucial to my success. I'll share some of the techniques that have worked for me and might inspire you to create your own study plan.

My Study Habits

1. Active Recall: I make it a point to review my notes regularly, summarizing key points in my own words. This helps me retain information better and recall it when needed.

2. Visual Learning: I'm a visual learner, so I use diagrams, flowcharts, and mind maps to organize complex information. This helps me see the bigger picture and make connections between different concepts.

3. Practice, Practice, Practice: I believe in practicing what I've learned. Whether it's solving math problems, writing essays, or working on projects, I make sure to apply what I've studied.(Use Past Papers)

Study Strategies

"If you don't plan, you have already planned to fail"

1. Weekly Study Timetable: I plan out my study schedule every week, setting specific goals for each subject. This helps me stay focused and ensure I'm covering all the material I need to.

2. Review and Reflect: I review my notes and study materials regularly, reflecting on what I've learned and what I need to work on. This helps me identify areas where I need more practice or review.

3. Staying Motivated: I remind myself why I'm studying and what I want to achieve. Whether it's getting good grades, pursuing a dream career, or making my family proud, I keep my goals in mind to stay motivated.

4.I had a study group at school , were we remained an extra hour after school every day. I had online study material , Youtube (Kevinmathsscience and Mlungisi Nkosi) .For past papers(Test Papers and Sternmophysics)

Goal Setting and Motivation.

"A goal written with a date is already achieved".

My Goal-Setting Strategies

1. Tracking Progress: I make it a point to track my progress regularly, assessing whether I'm on track to meet my goals. This helps me stay focused and make adjustments as needed.

2. Embracing Challenges: I believe that challenges are opportunities for growth. When faced with obstacles, I remind myself that they are a natural part of the journey and that I have the strength to overcome them.

3. Spiritual Guidance: My faith plays a significant role in my goal setting journey. Through prayer and reading the Bible, I find the motivation and guidance I need to stay on track.

I aim to change my home situation , I meditate , I always aim to be independent and becoming a role model to others.

Advice for Others

1. Stay Committed: I advise others to stay committed to their goals, even when the journey gets tough. It's easy to lose hope, but I believe that perseverance is key to achieving success.

2. Positive Self Talk: I emphasize the importance of positive self talk. By filling our minds with positive affirmations, we can overcome negative self talk and stay motivated.

3. Writing Down Goals: I recommend writing down your goals and finding your purpose. Having a clear understanding of why you're working towards a particular goal can help you stay focused and motivated

4.Involve God in everything you do , have a support system around you and importantly find your purpose.(Why am I doing this).

The Impact of Academics on Personal Growth

My academic pursuits have been a catalyst for personal growth, instilling in me confidence and abilities that I never thought possible. Through my studies, I've developed essential skills such as being organized, leadership, critical thinking, time management, and independence. These skills have not only enhanced my academic performance but also prepared me for the challenges that lie ahead.

As I note in my reflections, "Academics has made me grow as a person, I have confidence in myself and my abilities because of the success I've had." This newfound confidence has been a critical, enabling me to take on new challenges and push beyond my comfort zone.

Looking Ahead: Pursuing My Passions

As I look to the future, I am excited to pursue a career in science, with actuarial science being my top choice, followed closely by chartered accountant and data science. My academic journey has not only equipped me with the necessary skills and knowledge but also given me the confidence to pursue my passions.

In conclusion, my academic journey has been a transformative experience that has shaped me into the person I am today. By embracing challenges, cultivating a positive mindset, and developing essential skills, I've been able to grow both personally and academically. As I move forward, I am excited to apply the lessons I've learned and pursue my dreams with confidence and determination.

Power of determination

"Change your attitude towards academics. They are a test , an opportunity for you to become a better version of yourself." Tebogo Blessing Maleka.