Top achiever Sashen Ramlal: balancing academic excellence with national competition

Sashen Ramlal, a Crawford International Lonehill matriculant, has emerged as one of the country's top achievers by balancing national-level academic competition with a demanding subject load, earning an exceptional ten distinctions through discipline, resilience, and unwavering focus.

Sashen's matric year was both demanding and rewarding. Managing an intensive academic programme alongside external commitments required strict discipline and consistency, particularly during the final examination period. While pressure and uncertainty were constant companions, the rewards came in moments when sustained effort translated into strong results and a deeper understanding of the subjects he enjoys most.

Reflecting on the year, the 18-year-old said his matric journey was defined not only by achievement, but by significant personal growth. Representing his school at a national Mathematics competition stood out as one of the most meaningful highlights of his schooling, reinforcing both his academic confidence and his appreciation for the journey itself.

“One of the biggest highlights of my matric year was the journey,” he said. “It was demanding, but deeply rewarding, and it taught me to enjoy the process. Representing my school at a national Mathematics competition was especially meaningful, and finishing school brought a mix of relief, pride, and excitement.”

Looking ahead, Sashen plans to study Physics and Mathematics at the University of Cape Town, where she hopes to continue exploring her intellectual curiosity and potentially pursue postgraduate studies. His long-term ambition is to build a career that involves solving complex problems and making meaningful contributions in physics, mathematics, or related fields.

He believes his results, while significant, tell only part of the story. Behind the distinctions were risks taken, including choosing an academically demanding path and taking on additional subjects to push himself beyond conventional expectations.

“My results don’t show the long hours, the setbacks, or the moments of uncertainty,” he said. “They also don’t reflect the risks I took by choosing a more challenging academic route. Those experiences taught me resilience, independence, and the importance of following a path that aligns with my curiosity, even when it isn’t the easiest option.”

More than anything, the journey revealed strengths no exam mark could capture.

“This year taught me that my greatest strength is an innate curiosity and a genuine love for learning,” he said. 

Sashen said while exam marks record final outcomes, they fail to reflect the curiosity that drives learning,the questions asked beyond the syllabus and the thrill of truly grasping new concepts.

As he prepares for the next chapter, he offers thoughtful advice to the Class of 2026: challenge yourself, stay curious, manage your time wisely, and remember that setbacks are part of learning, not signs of failure.

The Star

masabata.mkwananzi@inl.co.za