While other 5-year-old boys aspired to be doctors, famous football players, or even rock stars, Crawford International Lonehill matriculant Ameer Buckus had already decided he would rather be behind the controls of an aircraft.
This is a dream that didn’t take him long to fulfil. Buckus completed his private pilot license just when 2020 was coming to an end. He did it at a privately owned international airport in Johannesburg, Lanseria Airport. He tells us this is a moment for life and did not come easy.
“It feels incredibly rewarding to have achieved my pilot’s license while managing my studies during my matric year. It was definitely a challenging yet fulfilling journey. The sense of accomplishment is immense, knowing that I was able to dedicate myself to both academic studies and pursuing my passion for flying. It’s a testament to hard work, determination, and the support I received along the way. I’m also tremendously happy to be able to pursue this extremely rewarding and enjoyable career path as well as super lucky and privileged as none of this would have been possible if it were not for my family’s emotional and, more especially, financial support.”
Buckus has succeeded in what he set his sights on. Even though he already knew what he wanted in life, he still had a lot of advice to give to fellow matriculants.
“Embrace your dreams wholeheartedly. Whether it’s pursuing aviation, academics, arts, or any other passion, know that dedication and perseverance are key. It’s possible to juggle multiple interests; don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Prioritise your time effectively, stay organised, and surround yourself with supportive individuals who believe in your dreams. Most importantly, never underestimate the power of hard work and belief in yourself. Your dreams are worth every effort you put in.”
On top of his other commitments, he said he got his driver’s license to drive himself to the airport as he tried to fit in more flights between school days. He passed the tests with outstanding results and was awarded his Private Pilot License in October.
Marketing and communications officer of the school, Robyn Swanepoel said, “Congratulations Ameer, this is truly a fitting end for the Crawford Lonehill’s matric Class of 2023s theme of ‘Saints and Angels’,” she said.
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