My name is Gomolemo Moloi — a proud grade 12 Milnarian who joined St Andrew’s in 2008 from grade 0. As I look back at the journey I have travelled at St Andrew’s, it is not only with a smile on my face — but a great sense of pride that I reflect on the young, fearless and bold woman whom St Andrew’s has been able to nurture and shape in me.
As I reminisce on my 13-year journey with the school, I am overwhelmed by only the fondest memories. The red pinafores we wore over our uniform in grade 0, as well as the long, playful afternoons spent at aftercare, are some of the few recollections that will forever be ingrained in my mind. The busy, yet fun, hours spent at Prep, or the time we took for leisure while playing four-square or strolling to the tuck-shop — those will remain my most treasured memories I will take with me as I will be leaving the school.
St Andrew’s is an environment that afforded me the space to unleash and discover my full potential. It contributed immensely in building and shaping my character, which in turn produced a bold and highly-motivated individual ready to claim and ‘take up space’ in this world. I personally bow, salute and pay tribute to the teachers who have been part of my journey at St Andrew’s. I thank you for working on me; for your commitment and dedication in transforming me from a quiet, shy and reserved girl to the confident, self-driven, courageous and hard-working young woman I am today. If I have ever found the courage to own or claim my voice, my opinions and stand by my convictions, their contributions in that process I can never discount. They instilled in me the courage to never ever limit myself, they pushed me even further to boundaries I never thought I could go and for that, I extend my humblest respects, my gratitude and sincerest honour.
My advice to the younger Andreans is that for every moment you’ll spend at St Andrew’s and every milestone you’ll achieve here, treasure and enjoy it to the fullest; because time hurries by in a blink of an eye. Rest assured, you are in very safe and good hands — as St Andrew’s is dedicated to Whole-Girl development, and holistic growth of the individual. Beyond St Andrew’s, possibilities are endless where the dream is alive – so I give you the courage to *Carpe diem*.