Dedication gives wings to childhood dreams

Elmarie van der Merwe spent her childhood holidays collecting bugs in jars, filling containers with rainwater and analyzing agricultural processes on the family farm. Since she was little, she always found science and biology fascinating.

This Ferrum matriculant will fuel her passion at North West University, studying Microbiology and Biochemistry and plans to eventually specialise in Genetics.

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Elmarie came second in Ferrum High School’s (FHS) matric Top 10 in 2016. She obtained distinctions in Afrikaans, English, Life Orientation, Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences and Consumer Studies.

She was also awarded the fifth position in the Amajuba District, at an event held by the Department of Education crediting the Top 5 matric learners in each district of KwaZulu-Natal.

“It felt amazing to be second in the school, but achieving fifth in the district was really the cherry on top for me. I worked very hard to accomplish all that I did, and obtaining the award was great motivation for me to excel further in life, because it proved my potential.”

Despite the challenges Elmarie faced with an unfavourable exam timetable, and the busyness of being FHS’s Head Girl, she managed to remain focused and accomplish her goals with excellence.

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“I’m most excited about finding myself when I go to university, and I’m elated I can finally focus on what has always been important to me.”

Elmarie said the only thing she feared about leaving home and being alone, was losing sight of what she set out to do and not achieving her goals.

“I know that I am strong, but there is always the possibility of being sidetracked. Thankfully, I have looked up to my mother all my life, and know her supportive and powerful influence will guide me, even if she’s not physically with me.”

Elmarie is extremely grateful for all the support she received throughout her matric year, and thanks her family and friends for making her success worth it.

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