New normal brought challenges and benefits for Ammarah

Vawda says the cancellation of some matric events left a bitter taste, but she was also able to optimally manage her time during the lockdown.


Ammarah Vawda, a matriculant from Parktown High School for Girls, understood that the world had to adapt to a new normal, which meant their matric dance and valedictory service were cancelled, leaving her feeling dismayed.

Vawda said not only did the pandemic rob her of the school events, but it also brought challenges.

“We couldn’t experience our last school events and functions like the matric dance or valediction the way we would have liked to. Online learning was also a big change for all of us and there was a constant worry in one’s mind whether we will cope or finish our matric year.”

For more articles, or to view your DBE matric results, click here. The results will be made available at 6am on 23 February 2021.

The matriculant said she quickly adapted to her newly created home routine.

“It wasn’t too difficult to adapt to the new way of learning and studying. I enjoyed the fact that I had more time for each subject at home and I felt that I could focus better in my own space.”

She added that before the pandemic, she played and captained the tennis team in the 2019-2020 season.

Her advice to other pupils is for them to stay true to themselves and work hard towards their goals.

“Make the best of your schooling career and cherish every moment because time goes by very quickly. Believe in yourself and continue working hard, irrespective of the challenges that you may face.”

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