Al-Qalam 
By Nabeelah Shaikh
Hard work, consistency and dedication have been Iman Khan’s recipe for success.
Despite the tough year that matriculants faced, the 18-year-old from Port Shepstone, on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast, ranked among the country’s top pupils in the 2021 National Senior Certificate matric examinations.
She bagged first place in quintile four schools nationally, second place overall in KZN, and first place in the Ugu District. But that’s not all. Khan also scored 100% in accounting. When she received a call informing her that she was a top achiever nationally, Khan says it felt surreal.
“I was taken aback and shocked to learn of my results. I felt so humbled, as I really didn’t expect it. It has been overwhelming and I was overcome with excitement, joy and lots of nervousness at the same time,” said Khan.
Khan, who has always been passionate about mathematics and science, attended the Port Shepstone Secondary School. She will now pursue her dreams of becoming a doctor.
She has secured a place at the University of Cape Town to study medicine. Khan says medicine has always been her passion and she’s looking forward to the journey that lies ahead.
“Medicine has always been my dream, but I find myself even more driven under the current circumstances created by the COVID-19 pandemic. I want to be on the frontline saving lives and making my contribution,” said Khan.
Pandemic
She says it was a difficult year, not just for her, but all grade 12 pupils.
“Faced with teaching and learning restrictions due to the pandemic, and the looting in KZN, valuable time was lost,” said Khan.
Despite these challenges, she rose to the top.
“We have to thank our Almighty creator for protecting us every step of the way despite these challenges and allowing us to reach the peak of our scholastic careers. My principal and the educators at my school have invested years of toil into polishing me for this moment and I am grateful. Most importantly, my pillars of strength and my sources of guidance throughout it all have been my parents. Their efforts will forever be remembered and their kindness will be my inspiration,” Khan said.
The year took its toll on her mental health.
“Examinations pose their own set of challenges, like with many things in life. As a matriculant of 2021, I can surely say that we proved ourselves and forged through the toughest circumstances. I was wrapped in fear and some doubt. However, with the help of my creator, educators, parents and the community, we did overcome our challenges,” said Khan.
Ensuring hard work from day one, was the driving force behind her excellent results.
“Being consistent is also of utmost importance so when the time comes for exams you are confident that you are prepared and you are merely refreshing your memory. Just believing in yourself and not allowing the pressure to get to you, is vital,” said Khan.
As she prepares to begin a new and exciting chapter in her life, Khan urges the youth of today, to never give up on their dreams and to give of their best at all times.
“Let consistency be your miracle and self confidence your panacea. Let humility be the basis of which you lead your life, as this surely is the recipe for success,” said Khan.
