Treverton College. It is a priviledge for Schools That Rock to ask a few questions to Anele Maedza. He is the Head Boy of Treverton College, Mooi River, Kwazulu-Natal for the year of 2022.
Anele, how do you see your role as head leader of Treverton?
My role as head leader of the school will entail a lot of responsibilities. It will force me into very tough situations, whereby I would have to make very tough decisions. The role will require me to sacrifice many of the things I love doing, e.g. sports and gym. Along with these sacrifices, the role will put me into uncomfortable scenarios that I haven’t been in before. Although these may seem as negative aspects, I view the role in a very positive light and I see it as more of a privilege to serve my school, than a job.
How did the past 4 years at Treverton College prepare you for your role as leader?
Throughout my years at Treverton College, I’ve had the honour and the privilege of being mentored and led by some of the strongest and most influential people, (in the form of past prefects, head-boys and head-girls). Along with the various outdoor pursuit activities that the school provides, playing in different sports teams and scenarios within the boarding house have tested me and forced me to bring out my ‘inner leader’.
Who do you look to for inspiration and mentoring?
All things considered, I mostly look to my teachers for inspiration and mentoring, as they seem to always know what to say and do in any given situation. I will also be looking at past pupils and prefects for advice and words of wisdom of how I should go about tackling this year.
Which field of study do you intend pursuing after school?
I intend to pursue the field of medicine, and specialise in paediatrics.
Which characteristic (i.e. sport, culture or academic) of Treverton do you feel is most prominent?
The school has done very well to try and incorporate these attributes into student life in general. From compulsory sports, to cultural days and top 10 as an incentive for students to work hard and achieve good grades and later get recognised for their commitment; I think Treverton has done a tremendous job in making these firm pillars in the students’ everyday.
Do you think participation in sport should be made compulsory in schools?
Most definitely. I think compulsory participation in sport does not only promote healthiness and robustness, it also encourages scholars to throw themselves into scenarios where they’re forced to work in synergy with other people and not rely on themselves. It also creates an atmosphere whereby everyone feels included and useful.
What did you enjoy most during your school career?
The excitement built up before an inter-house and/or inter-schools event and the enthusiasm the school has when it supports one of its sports teams. The exhilaration one feels as they cheer on they’re sporting house during an athletics event is like no other, and the different events such as (Founder’s Day) and (Treverton Sports Festival) are truly unequalled. The other things I enjoyed most are the small things, like: when the first teams would go to each boarding house at night and do war cries with them; the many hikes to the Drakensberg, SCA on a Tuesday night and the highly anticipated new pupil’s concert.
What are your objectives as head leader of your school?
My objectives: ● Create a school environment whereby everyone feels included (from grade 8 to 12). ● Increase school spirit and boost overall morale within the premises. ● Increase the attendance of pupil hikes and other outdoor pursuit activities.
What motivates you to reach your goals?
Past leaders and prefects and remembering the amazing job that they’ve done running the school; attempting to follow in their footsteps and do a job just as good as theirs, maybe better. The strong words of encouragement from my parents and grandparents are the core motivators for me to reach my goals.
Why would you encourage learners to become part of your school?
Treverton truly made me a better person, it provided me with the blueprints to become the person I’ve always wanted to become and I am positive that it would be able to do the same for other learners.
What are your future goals/ambitions?
My ambitions are to finish school with a Phd and work as a paediatrician, specifically one that looks into the sciences for cures for diseases/illnesses faced by children. I also plan on becoming an entrepreneur.
Photo supplied
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