Nine distinctions and a heart of service: How volunteering shaped this top achiever's purpose

Beyond the pressures and challenges of the matric year, one experience reshaped Anya Oommen of Crawford International Pretoria’s sense of purpose entirely.

While academic demands tested her resilience, it was her family’s community service at a children’s home in Buccleuch that emerged as the most defining highlight, exposing her to the harsh realities faced by neglected and abused children and igniting a lasting commitment to service and medicine.

Reflecting on her academic year, Anya described it as demanding yet ultimately rewarding. She said navigating three major exam periods, the June exams, preliminary examinations and final IEB assessments, required discipline, endurance and mental strength, particularly in subjects she found most challenging, including Further Studies Mathematics, Physical Sciences and Music.

“It was quite taxing to study throughout three exam seasons. However, the rigorous test schedules reinforced my understanding of key concepts and prepared me well for the IEB examinations,” she said.

The effort paid off, with the 18-year-old achieving an impressive nine distinctions, a milestone she views as the result of sustained hard work rather than a single moment of success.

Despite her academic achievements, Anya said the most significant highlights of her year were not school-related. Volunteering with her family at a children’s home in Buccleuch left a lasting impression, exposing her to the plight of children who have been neglected, abused and unloved.

“The experience invoked a deep sense of compassion in me and a desire to be more active in the community,” she said.

A post-exams holiday to Japan further broadened her perspective, offering cultural exposure vastly different from her everyday environment. Together, these experiences, she said, gave her a deeper understanding of shared humanity beyond the classroom.

Looking ahead, Anya hopes to study medicine at a well-established university in South Africa, driven by a belief that her academic ability and natural inquisitiveness should be used to help the sick and injured. She has a particular interest in women’s health; an area she believes has not been prioritised enough within the medical community and aspires to specialise as an OB/GYN or endometrial specialist.

While her results reflect academic success, Anya believes they do not capture the many sleepless nights, moments of self-doubt and emotional strain she faced along the way. She credits her strong support system, her parents, younger sister, teachers and faith, for carrying her through the year.

“My mom made sure I was hydrated, energised and mentally prepared before every exam, while my sister kept me company and lifted my spirits during long study sessions,” she said.

Above all, the journey revealed a determination and inner drive she did not know she possessed.

As she offers advice to the Class of 2026, Anya emphasises balance, preparation and self-care.

“Prioritise academics but make time for rest. Prepare early, avoid last-minute pressure, eat well, exercise, and don’t underestimate the value of stepping away from social media for your mental well-being,” she added.

The Star

masabata.mkwananzi@inl.co.za