AFTER Grade 11 and 12 results were revealed yesterday, Miss Namibia 2018 Selma Kamanya took to social media to thank the matriculants for their hard work and determination during the challenging Covid-19 pandemic that made education difficult.
“This has by far been one of the most challenging years of your school career. Covid-19 has completely transformed the school environment that you all once knew and felt safe in. You were denied the ultimate final year/Grade 12 experience,”she said.
Kamanya said she is proud of the matriculants, adding that they have worked hard and persevered in the midst of calamity, fear and uncertainty. “You are all overcomers in your own right. No matter what the outcome of your results may be, just know that you are all rock stars for enduring the most unprecedented and uncomfortable academic year of the 21st century and that calls for celebration. You are legends,”the beauty queen, who represented Namibia at the 67th edition of Miss Universe 2018 in Bangkok, Thailand, said.
Kamanya in her post also spoke about the pupils’ mental health that is sometimes overlooked and disregarded. “You are the demographic that experiences the highest highs and lowest lows, and for surviving that I am extremely proud of each and every learner,”she said.
Kamanya is encouraging those who might experience setbacks that it is not the end of the world. She added that there are many institutions set up to help one get into a tertiary institution.
“Always remember that every setback is a setup for a phenomenal comeback. If you choose not to study this year, remember to make practical plans for 2021. Entrepreneurship is an admirable career path to pursue, however, it is not a walk in the park. You will face many challenges, so make sure you have mentors that have years of experience in the industry, and learn from their mistakes,”she said.
To those going to university, the 24-year-old advises them to have tenacity. “University is character building, seize every opportunity to learn from everyone. No matter in which career path you find yourself this year, the world is your oyster. You may graduate but you will always remain a student of life. No matter what you choose to do, everything requires belief in yourself. Remember that the sky is not the limit, it only limits your mind,”Kamanya said.
Photo: Selma Kamanya
