Can one make distinctions fashionable? Siphiwe Madonsela’s book, titled How I Aced Matric, has all the answers.
Madonsela’s inspiration to write the book was born out of her own journey during her days in high school. After matriculating in 2010 with five distinctions and being the second top achiever at her school, Mjokwane Secondary, she went to the Tshwane University of Technology and obtained an industrial engineering degree.
“Writing the book, I had nothing to do with bragging about how many distinctions I got, but rather wanted to encourage and challenge high school learners to aim higher. I am surrounded by teachers and they agree that not all learners succeed academically. But with hard work, it is possible to pass your matric with flying colours.”
The book unpacks what working hard entails and describes how to ace your matric. Madonsela admitted each person has unique study methods, but in her book she shares a practical approach and habits one can adopt to become a top student. One of the topics covered in one of the chapters she considers important, is The Deliberate Creator, where she touches on issues ranging from dating in class to avoiding distractions.
“In class I used to sit in front of the noisemakers and one day I got the courage to face them and tell them off regarding their noise levels. Since that day, things changed and we were able to concentrate,” she said.
Madonsela believes daily habits determine one’s success and failure. With the right habits, she says you are intentionally and actively working towards being the best. “I challenge matriculants to think of their exams as auditions for university and make sure they work hard to get golden tickets to a brighter future.”
To obtain a copy of the book, follow Madonsela on her Facebook page “How I Aced Matric by Siphiwe Madonsela”.
