To the history class of 2016
Firstly, I would like to congratulate you for making it to Grade12, the history class of 2015 is very proud of you and we believe that you are going to make the best of this year.
In 2014 we took part in a journey that was very inspirational and we didn’t know that it would be life changing. We had our doubts and fears at first but everything worked out just fine. The history class of 2014 planned it in 2012 and we experienced it!! The journey meant a lot to me as an individual, I got to see how beautiful Gods creation actually is, how broad our history is and most importantly I experienced that with my teacher and fellow historians. I thought I knew a lot but the trip made me realise how little I knew. It opened a door for traveling and it taught me that there’s still so much to learn out there. Climbing Table Mountain was the highlight of the trip. It was a remarkable experience. As I was going up the mountain I realised how the journey was so similar to life, going up is so hard, we kept falling down, sprained our ankles, had tears in our eyes and at some point wanted to give up and go down. But we kept looking down and realised how far we have come to give up now and looked up and saw how close we were to the top. We thought it was just going to be smooth sailing, we are just going to reach the top just like that. However, the anticipation kept us going, we were so looking forward to see what was on the top of the mountain. So is life, it’s so hard getting to where you want to be, not everything will work out the way you want it to but it’s the possibility of having a dream come true and wanting to taste success that makes us keep going and make the journey exciting.
When I got to the top of the mountain, I felt a sense of achievement. The view was so nice, looking at where I started to where I was I just couldn’t believe I had made it, it was an amazing feeling, right there and then I realised that nothing is impossible and I could achieve anything I put my mind into. My perception of life changed and I believed in myself in a way I thought I never will. I understood that the obstacles we face along the way are not to destroy us but to build us. If I had climbed that mountain without falling down, without crying and feeling so much pain I wouldn’t have learnt anything and I wouldn’t have had a story to tell. We wish the legacy will go on.
On a lighter note on behalf of the history class of 2015 and myself, I would like to say that never stop wanting to learn there’s so much out there you still have to learn. Let the hunger for education and for success keep you going. Make the best out of this year, nothing comes on a silver platter you have to sweat for it. Remember you were put on this earth to achieve the greatest self, to live your purpose and do it courageously. We wish you the very best of luck. Do your very best because in the end it’s all that matters.
Yoliswa Ngeno and the history class of 2015.