Matrics – give yourself a gift that keeps on giving this holiday

With endless weeks of lazy days looming just around the corner following weeks of demanding examinations, this year’s matrics should consider giving themselves the gift of a lifetime – by using their downtime in a way that will push them ahead of their peers even before they enter tertiary studies.
Dr Felicity Coughlan, Director of The Independent Institute of Education, says while school-leavers deserve to give themselves a solid break, they should not lose sight of the fact that in the grown-up world they are now entering, competition is tough and time lost is opportunity lost.
“It really is possible to both have a good time and get some rest while still doing something productive and lasting during this festive season,” she says.
“In fact, school leavers should consider giving themselves a gift that will stand them in good stead when they need to start preparing their CVs and have to demonstrate why they are different to the rest of the crowd applying for the same position,” she says.
“Alternatively, they should focus on what they will need most when they start studying next year, and make sure they are ahead of the pack.
“The long holiday period provides the perfect opportunity to get your head in the right space, learn a new skill, or start something new,” says Coughlan.