‘Best day ever’ for well-deserving matriculant of 2023

JAIDEN Rapiti Naidu received an Outstanding Achievement certificate for reaching the Top 5% in the country and two Certificates of Excellence for reaching the Top 1% in the country for Business Studies and for coming third in the grade.

Unlike the rest of his peers, Crawford College La Lucia learner Jaiden did not stay up to find out his results. Instead, he found out when his friends phoned him at 12:00, wanting to know his results. That’s when he looked for his results and found out he had achieved 7 distinctions. The next morning, when he arrived at his former high school, Jaiden was surprised to learn he had come in the Top 3 in his grade.

He celebrated his incredible achievements with proud family and friends, and he remarked, “It was probably one of the best days ever.”

Reminiscing on his favourite subjects, he named Mathematics Core, Physical Sciences and Business Studies – for which he achieved 95%, 91% and 95% respectively. “I’ve always loved the idea of running a business,” he said. This passion is also extended to numbers.

Also read: Independent Examinations Board high schools, Fatima and Reddam, celebrate 100% pass rate

“I honestly think the teachers have a clear understanding about what they are doing. At some point, you might question the methodology, but really, they are superb, and they know exactly what they’re doing and how to get results,” testified Jaiden. “I’m so grateful for all my teachers. They were all wonderful to me. They [his peers] were a wonderful support system, and they were always there for me when I needed an extra push to keep going.”

“To reach your dreams,” Jaiden noted, “it’s important to have a group of friends who are also wanting to succeed and want to see you succeed, as well – you all just spur each other on to achieve more.”

“I had to overcome loss along my journey because my dad passed away at the end of Grade Eight, and then my grandfather passed away at the end of Grade 10 – and they were huge role models to me, but I honestly would say, getting through that has made me the person I am today. It’s always greener on the other side once you’ve gone through a rough patch – whenever you come out of it, you will be better – so just put your head down and work through.”

For other students looking to achieve their dreams despite hardships, Jaiden said that one of the most important things is finding a good support system. “Surround yourself with people who are always going to love and care for you and want to see you succeed [like] your family and close friends as they must be your ‘dependables’ – if ever you feel like you’re going through something, you turn to those people. Break down whatever issues you’re going through into smaller parts, and tackle them individually.”

Jaiden attributes a huge part of his success to his teachers, friends and family. “My mom, especially, is a huge, huge support for me.” His younger brother said he is Jaiden’s biggest supporter, while Jaiden strives to be the best role model he can be for his endearing younger brother.

In his downtime, Jaiden enjoys spending time with friends. “I played cricket from the time I was in Grade Two to Grade 9,” which he soon stopped to balance sport and academics. Jaiden makes a habit of going to the gym almost every day, where he has been lifting for about three years. He has also been doing mixed martial arts (MMA) for about five years.

Speaking on his plans for 2024, he explained the debate between choosing to do actuarial science or medicine. “[I’d like to do] medicine because everyone from my mom and dad’s side is in the medical field. So, since I was small, that has been a dream of mine. I also realised how much I love working with numbers so that is where actuarial science comes in – so it’s a bit of a toss-up right now.”

To the new Grade Eights of 2024, Jaiden advises them: “To have a plan and stick to it. The key is to be consistent and to micromanage your days – have a clear understanding of what you want to get done before the day starts, and do your best to get it done. Discipline is key.”

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