Crawford International Sandton student achieves 8 distinctions despite 'ocean of self-doubt'

Tongxin Cui of Crawford International Sandton navigated the highs and lows of his matric year with determination and humility. Excelling in subjects such as Science, IT, and Maths, he faced challenges in English and Afrikaans, proving that growth often comes not just from success, but from confronting areas where expectations fall short.

“In most subjects, such as Science, IT, and Maths, I feel I performed fairly successfully. I had no major gaps in knowledge or understanding for any of them, but for other subjects like English and Afrikaans, I feel I did not live up to expectations,” he said.

Despite these setbacks, the 18-year-old achieved eight distinctions and earned experiences that extended far beyond marks. A standout highlight was gaining entry into the selection camp for the International Maths Olympiad, a privilege reserved for just a handful of students. 

“Despite my lacklustre performance, I was unable to solve even one problem fully, it really broadened my perspective on how difficult maths can be,” he reflected.

Tongxin’s aspirations are global. He hopes to study Maths or Science in Europe, possibly the UK, Netherlands, Switzerland, or Germany, and eventually contribute meaningfully to society, perhaps as a lecturer or researcher.

Yet, he was candid about the challenges behind his accolades. 

“My results do not show the ocean of self-doubt and confusion I often found myself drowning in. In subjects like Design Studies, I sometimes felt overwhelmed by the sheer scale of work ahead, but sitting down and giving it a decent shot made all the difference. 

“They also do not show the passion I felt for subjects like Maths. Spending hours tackling a complex problem often made Maths feel much more than a subject, it became an exploration of the universe,” he shared.

Tongxin reflected that the journey taught him self-awareness, revealing that he sometimes struggled with laziness. He realised that overcoming this required a shift in perspective rather than relying on sheer willpower, recognising that subjects like physics are more than just equations, they offer insight into how the universe works, from the motion of rockets to the dynamics of everyday interactions.

To the Class of 2026, Tongxin offers a simple but powerful message: “Be prepared to struggle and fail. Change your relationship with your studies. Treat them with passion, and they will enrich your view of the world, making the path ahead far more bearable.”

The Star

masabata.mkwananzi@inl.co.za