After tragically losing both his parents in one day at the age of 17, Tapiwa Phiri had a troublesome matric year, but still managed to come out as a top achiever.<\/p>\n
Tapiwa lost his mother who had been battling depression one Sunday morning in 2017 and upon hearing the news, later the same evening, his ill-stricken father suffered a heart attack.<\/p>
\u201cLosing my parents was the most difficult experience I\u2019ve ever endured in my life, but one thing I quickly learned was that life does not stop and feel sorry for you,\u201d Tapiwa said.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou have to pick yourself up and work hard, no matter what happens.\u201d<\/p>
The Rondebult resident was part of the class of 2018 at Falcon Educational School in Dawn Park.<\/p>\n
His goal in matric was to obtain four distinctions which would afford him a place in a tertiary institution where he would study accounting, following his late mother\u2019s career path.<\/p>\n
Though on many days he felt like giving up, Tapiwa constantly reminded himself why he had to get good grades and whom this would benefit.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think about the countless nights I had to study until midnight then force myself to get up early for school, it was unbearable,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt times I felt as though I was drowning due to the workload, but I reminded myself why I was doing this.\u201d<\/p>\n
Those sleepless nights were all beneficial, Tapiwa obtained the four distinctions he was aiming for.<\/p>\n
He attained 89 per cent in IsiZulu first additional language, 87 per cent in life orientation, 82 per cent in economics and 83 per cent in business studies.<\/p>\n
\u201cGod made this possible. Had it not been for his divine favour, it would not have been possible,\u201d Tapiwa said.<\/p>\n
\u201cEveryone has been sending me congratulatory messages and my family has been singing my praises, but they don\u2019t know how hard I had to work.<\/p>\n
\u201cOther than my determination to succeed, the support from my family, teachers, principal, pastor and friends was phenomenal, it kept me inspired.\u201d<\/p>\n
Once qualified as an accountant, Tapiwa aspires to contribute to the economy as an entrepreneur, help decrease the unemployment rates and make South Africa a better place.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
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