Celia Wentzel's journey of triumph over academic and health hurdles

For Celia Falconer Wentzel of Crawford International Sandton, the matric year unfolded with an uncommon sense of calm rather than chaos. While many learners found exam season overwhelming, she described studying and writing exams as a peaceful and focused time.

“I enjoy writing exams and studying for them; it’s usually a peaceful time for me,” she said.

That sense of control was tested during the June examination period. Writing all her Further Studies final examinations the week before, followed by her National Benchmark Tests during June, left her physically and mentally drained.

“This was true for the most part in 2025, with the exception of the June exams. I wrote all of my Further Studies subject final exams the week before and my NBTs during, and as a result, I was badly burnt out by the end,” she said.

Despite the pressure, Celia emerged as one of the school’s top achievers, securing an impressive nine distinctions. Yet, she said her biggest highlight had little to do with academics.

“My biggest highlight was that I became good friends with people that I really admire and respect. Without them, I would have lost focus very quickly,” she added.

Looking ahead, the 18-year-old has received provisional acceptance to study MBBCh at the University of the Witwatersrand (WITS) and hopes to pursue a career in surgery.

“I plan to study at Wits, and I hope to someday become a surgeon,” she said.

While her results reflect excellence, Celia noted they do not fully capture her personal journey. Living with Type 1 diabetes, she acknowledged both her privilege and the quiet resilience required to maintain consistency.

Her advice to the class of 2026 is firm and practical: “You have to be stubborn on top of being ambitious. One doesn’t work without the other.”

The Star

masabata.mkwananzi@inl.co.za