As I prepare to study medicine I am driven by a vision of personal growth, says Aqil Heeralall Aqil Heeralall
AQIL Heeralall, who matriculated with eight distinctions and placed third in KwaZulu-Natal for independent schools, has advised this year's cohort of Grade 12 pupils to remind themselves that 2025 is a marathon and not a sprint.
"So pace yourselves. Stay organised, set clear goals, and tackle your studies with consistency," advised Aqil, 18, of Ballito, who matriculated from Star College Durban.
"Don’t underestimate the power of balance. Take time to recharge, prioritise your mental health, and lean on your support system when needed. Believe in your abilities, even when the road gets tough, and never be afraid to ask for help. Remember, success isn’t just about the destination; it’s about the growth you experience along the way. Stay focused, stay positive, and give it your all."
He said being placed third in KZN was a fruition of his dedication.
"And as I prepare to study medicine at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, I am driven by a vision of personal growth and making a meaningful impact in my chosen field. I am committed to continuously learning, evolving, and seizing opportunities that align with my values and ambitions. The journey ahead excites me, and I am ready to embrace it."
In matric he studied English, Afrikaans, maths, physical science, life science, engineering and graphic design, information technology and life orientation.
He said in his matric year, it was "all about finding balance". So he structured a study regime, setting clear goals for each subject and he prioritised consistency over cramming.
"To maintain balance, I made time for exercise, hobbies, and spending time with my parents and friends. This helped me stay focused and avoid burnout. Effective time management and knowing when to take breaks were also key. It wasn’t always easy, but staying organised and keeping my end goal in mind made it all worthwhile."
He said he was grateful to his parents for their support, guidance, encouragement and sacrifices. Aqil also thanked his teachers for being more than just educators.
"You have been mentors, motivators and role-models. Your lessons extended far beyond the classroom, teaching me not only about the world but also about myself. Your dedication and belief in my potential have been the driving force behind my growth. I’ll carry your wisdom and encouragement with me as I take on the next chapter of my life."
Star College attained a 100% pass rate.
The principal of Star College, Ahmet Kayya, said success had long been a tradition at Star College.
He said the 2024 group of matriculants had made a significant contribution to the school's legacy of excellence and had achieved the best results in the past seven years.
"They are continuing a remarkable upward trend. Our matric pass rate has, once again, for the 20th consecutive year, reached 100%, with an impressive 94% Bachelor’s pass rate. Out of 104 learners, 39 achieved an A-aggregate, and 38 earned a B aggregate. It is an extraordinary accomplishment.
"Adding to these achievements, the matric class of 2024 has secured Star College’s position as the top school in KZN and the fourth nationally, with an average of 3.49 distinctions per learner, as published on www.gradesmatch.co.za.
"Our top achiever, Aqil, has been recognised by the provincial Department of Education as the third top learner in the province - an incredible milestone. His dedication and hard work have truly paid off.
"I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our educators for their unwavering commitment, to the parents for their continuous support, and to our admin and support staff for their invaluable contributions. Together, we have achieved these remarkable results."
He said the school's focus now shifted to preparing this year's matric class, "ensuring that our tradition of excellence continues".
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