Randburg-based matriculant Chloe Diedericks-Boudouris will be joining five other matriculants on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore Antarctica.
The participants of the Matrics in Antarctica programme will depart Cape Town International Airport on a cargo plane to land in Antarctica approximately six and a half hours later. Diedericks-Boudouris left Johannesburg for Cape Town on December 5. The cohort is expected to depart from South Africa within 48 hours of arriving in the mother city, depending on the weather; and stay in Antarctica until December 14.
Diedericks-Boudouris won the opportunity to spend time learning about the Antarctic, doing experiments and clean-ups, as well as assisting in a new project of installing a solar system from ACDC Dynamics for a greener more reliable power source at base camp.
The Matrics in Antarctica programme is an initiative by adventurer and explorer Riaan Manser.
“Matrics in Antarctica is on a unique mission to not only drive awareness around the effects of climate change but to instil a willingness by role players to deliver concrete results,” said Manser. “This is why it is so important to get the youth, the future leaders of tomorrow, excited about conservation but also understand that action on their part is what will guarantee a preserved earth.”
Everyone is proud of Diedericks-Boudouris for this life-enhancing milestone, including her school Northcliff High School. School headmaster Walter Essex-Clark described Diedericks-Boudouris as a pupil who excels in everything [that] she does at Northcliff High School, noting her passion for several activities.
“The staff and pupils of Northcliff High School are extremely proud of Chloe for having been chosen for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to participate in the Matrics in Antarctica expedition,” said Essex-Clark. “Her achievements as young a leader in the school and on the sports fields over the years will surely stand her in good stead as she faces the challenge of this trip to such a remote part of the world.”
The Randburg Sun caught up with Diedericks-Boudouris days before her adventure to the earth’s final frontier. Here’s what she had to say:
Question and Answer:
What inspired you to apply for Matrics in Antarctica?
My love for nature and adventure and learning about such a beautiful, pristine ecosystem such as Antarctica and how it impacts our global climate.
Tell us more about your love for nature and conservation?
Being in nature is my happy place. I feel most at peace in the game reserve. I love animals, and it is my goal to one day become a vet so I can help and protect animals and their threatened habitats. I would love to get my pilot’s licence so that I can be more involved with wildlife rehabilitation and be able to access remote areas.
What do you hope to learn while in Antarctica?
How I can improve our environment and how to enforce a more sustainable way of life and thinking with firsthand experience of what our ignorance and laziness with regards to sustainability has done to Antarctica, which I believe is our planet’s climate regulator.
What are you most looking forward to about the experience?
Cuddling a penguin (just kidding).
I am so excited to meet like-minded people and hear their incredible stories. I can’t wait to run on ice, take a dip in the icy water, and experience the majesty of the glacier caves. The thought of flying in a cargo plane, and landing on the ice, is mind-blowing, and will be an experience in itself!
How did you first stumble upon the Matrics in Antarctica opportunity?
My mom’s friend sent through the link for the trip and how to enter. I did some research about ‘Matrics in Antarctica’ and what they’re about, and I had to apply. Initially, I was worried that it was too good to be true, but I’m now so happy I entered.
Have you always been curious about life in Antarctica?
Antarctica has always been a fascinating topic and a huge bucket list item for me. But never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined that I would have such an incredible opportunity, especially at such a young age. I am so grateful for this amazing blessing.
Are you expecting to encounter anything in particular?
Hopefully a cuddly penguin. I am going into this trip with an open mind, ready to learn and absorb all the knowledge and information about the continent and from our facilitators. I am expecting to be mind-blown by the majesty and vastness of Antarctica. Everyone I have spoken to who has been before says that it is even better and more beautiful than one can imagine.
How does it feel to be on the cusp of an out-of-this-world adventure to and from Antarctica?
It feels surreal. I still can’t believe that in just a few days, I will be one of five students blessed enough to step out of the cargo plane and onto the ice to have the experience of a lifetime.
Tell us about your plans for when you return. Studies? University? Travel?
For my matric year, I plan to focus on academics and athletics. I would love to do my undergraduate studies in South Africa and go overseas to specialise. Currently, I would like to study veterinary science or go to Stellenbosch, but who knows what will happen after such an eye-opening trip this next year. I love travelling and exploring all the hidden beauties of this earth, I hope there are many more incredible trips to come.
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