A Year of Growth, Loss, and Reflection: My 2022 Journey

By: Oratile Mothwa
Email: ratile786@gmail.com

As I sit down to reflect on the year 2022, I am filled with a mix of emotions - excitement, sadness, and gratitude. It was a year that marked a significant transition in my life, as I navigated the unknown waters of life after matric.

I remember the anxiety that gripped me as I waited for my matric results. Despite knowing that I had worked hard and done my best, the uncertainty of the outcome was overwhelming. My friends and I would often discuss our fears and doubts, trying to prepare ourselves for any eventuality. But when the results finally arrived, I was too nervous to even check them myself. I handed my phone over to my sister, Keletso, and I was in edge as she screamed with excitement. In that moment, I knew that I had done well, and a sense of relief washed over me.

However, my joy was bittersweet. My favorite teacher, Ma'am Makhudu, had passed away in December, and I couldn't help but feel a surge of sadness that she wasn't there to share in my celebration. Returning to my high school to collect my results felt strange without her presence, and I couldn't help but wonder what she would have said if she were there to see me achieve my goals.

As the year progressed, I found myself in a new and exciting chapter of my life. I had always dreamed of living in Pretoria, and now I had the opportunity to make that dream a reality. I took a gap year, which proved to be a valuable experience that allowed me to rediscover my passions and interests. I started driving classes and eventually obtained my license, which gave me a sense of freedom and independence.

During this time, I also had the opportunity to connect with new friends and create lasting memories. I spent time with Kgali in Ultrama flats, exploring the city and trying new foods. We met other friends, including Fifi, Lelo, and Karabo, and my sister Keletso would often visit us. We shared laughter, adventures, and even some tough moments, but through it all, we formed a strong bond.

But 2022 was also a year of loss and tragedy. In December, I received news that would change my life forever. My friend (I'll call him X for now), who had been a constant presence in my life, had lost his life in the Boksburg petrol tanker explosion. I remember the day we reunited after a long time apart, joking and laughing together like we always did. We had a silly conversation about death, never imagining that it would become a harsh reality just a few days later.

When I saw the news of the explosion on social media, I was filled with a sense of dread. I tried calling X. I assumed that he was busy and would reach out soon.  And then, the unthinkable happened. I received the news that x was among the victims of the explosion.

Losing X was like losing a part of myself. We had many memories together, sharing our hopes and dreams, and now he was gone. The pain of his loss still feels like an open wound, and I often find myself wondering what could have been if he were still here.

As I reflect on 2022, I am reminded that life is precious and unpredictable. We never know what the future holds, and we must cherish every moment we have with our loved ones. I am grateful for the experiences I had, the friends I made, and the lessons I learned. But most of all, I am grateful for the time I had with X, and the memories we created together.

My High School Journey: A Story of Friendship, Growth, and Memories

By: Oratile Mothwa
Email: ratile786@gmail.com

As I sit here reflecting on my high school years, I am filled with a mix of emotions - nostalgia, gratitude, and a hint of sadness. My journey was not without its challenges, but it was also filled with moments of joy, laughter, and adventure. In this blog post, I'll take you through my personal story, from the early days of grade 10 to the final year of matric.

Grade 10: The Beginning of a New Chapter

I still remember the day I started high school in 2019. I was nervous, excited, and unsure of what to expect. As I entered grade 10, I made a decision that would change my academic path: I chose the science stream. But it wasn't because I had dreams of becoming a doctor or pursuing a science-related career. No, my motivation was much simpler. I wanted to be taught by Ma'am Makhudu, affectionately known as "Boss Lady" by the students. There was something about her teaching style, her passion, and her dedication that drew me in.

Grade 10 was, without a doubt, the hardest class I faced in my school year. Everything was new, the subjects were complex, and the workload was heavy. But I was determined to succeed, and with Ma'am Makhudu's and Nsele's guidance, I managed to pass. It was a challenging year, but it laid the foundation for my future academic success.

One of the highlights of my grade 10 year was a family trip to Durban. I remember spending quality time with my loved ones, exploring the city, and creating memories that I will always treasure. It was a much-needed break from the academic grind, and it gave me a chance to recharge and refocus.

Grade 11: New Friendships and Challenges

Fast forward to 2020, and I entered grade 11 with a mix of excitement and trepidation. It was a year that would bring new friendships, new challenges, and unexpected obstacles. I met Sgwi and Condo, and Condo quickly became my best friend. We bonded over our shared interests, our sense of humor, and our passion for life.

But 2020 was also the year that COVID-19 hit, and our lives were turned upside down. Schools closed, lockdowns were imposed, and our world was reduced to a virtual reality. It was a difficult time, and I struggled to cope with the isolation, the uncertainty, and the fear. But despite the challenges, I found solace in my friendships, my family, and my own resilience.

Matric: A Year of Memories

First Day in Matric and First day in school

2021 was my matric year, and it was a year that I will never forget. It was a year filled with emotions, a year of growth, and a year of memories. I had a group of reliable friends, and we made the most of our time together. Tshego, Tsonana, and I would walk to school together, sharing silly conversations and laughter along the way. Our break-time on Wednesdays was always a highlight, as we would bring different relishes to share. And Fridays were my favorite, as we would chill at the Big Tree near Serite park, listening to Machaka's fairytales and enjoying each other's company.

I honestly appreciate my high school days, because I believe that grade 12 is the class that makes you more serious about your future. It's a time of transition, a time of growth, and a time of self-discovery. And I'm proud to say that I passed my matric well, thanks to the support of my friends, my family, and my own hard work.

Conclusion

As I look back on my high school journey, I am filled with a sense of gratitude and nostalgia. It was a journey that was not without its challenges, but it was also filled with moments of joy, laughter, and adventure. I learned valuable lessons about friendship, resilience, and the importance of living in the moment. And I'm excited to see what the future holds, knowing that I have the support of my loved ones and the memories of my high school days to guide me.