Resilience, consistency, and quiet determination defined Lerato Potsanyane’s matric year, a journey marked by top ten academic placements across three consecutive terms, selection as a Highflyer, and the quiet battles of studying without electricity, emotional pressure, and moments of self-doubt. The 17-year-old from Forte Secondary School explained that her matric year was both demanding and highly rewarding, adding that growing up in a township taught her early on how to strive for excellence despite limited resources. She described exam periods as especially stressful, with high expectations and overwhelming workloads.
“There were moments of self-doubt and fatigue, particularly when balancing revision with responsibilities at home. But seeing my effort reflected in my results kept me motivated.” One of her proudest achievements was being in the top ten for three consecutive terms. “Being selected as a Highflyer and invited to a breakfast with the principal as one of the top five learners in my class were special moments that made me proud and inspired me to keep working hard,” she shared. Looking ahead, Lerato aspires to study at a reputable university and pursue a career in health sciences, aiming to make a meaningful impact in her community.
