25/10/2016
Dear grade 12 learners,
Your final matric exams are to start soon. I know you have worked very hard, but there is something important you should know:
The final matric exams do not assess all of what makes you special and unique. The people who create these final examination papers and mark them do not know each of you like your teachers and certainly not the way your families do. They do not know that some of you speak 3 languages, or that you love to sing or listen to house music. They have not seen your natural talent for dancing. They do not know that your friends count on you to be there for them, that your laughter can brighten the darkest day, or that your face turns purple when you feel shy. They do not know that you participate in sports, church activities and wonder about the future, or sometimes you help your siblings after school. They do not know that you are kind, trustworthy, and thoughtfulβ¦ and every day you try to be your very best. Fela gopolang gore βMoremogolo go betlwa wa taola, wa motho wa ipetla.β
The marks you will get from these final exams will tell you something, but they will not tell you everything. These final exams do not define you. There are many ways of being smart. You are smart! You are enough! You are unique in your own way. So, in the midst of all of these final exams, remember that there is no way to βtestβ all of the amazing and awesome things that make you, YOU. Motswana a re βMoseka-phofu ya gaabo ga a tshabe go swa lentswe e bile tlhotsa pele ga se swa pele.β All that I ask is that you do your personal best and do not give up. You have been working for this since grade 1 and are ready! I believe in you.
Sleep, Rest, and Believe!
Good luck
Theo Tshiamo Matsitle