Malissa Julius from Bonteheuwel was so determined to produce good matric results that she at times had to walk to Alexander Sinton High when there was no bus fare for her to get to school.
Her efforts paid off, when she passed with six distinctions. However, a humble Malissa said she could not take all the credit. She acknowledged all her teachers’ efforts, the help she received at the Students’ Health and Welfare Centres Organisation’s (SHAWCO) Shine Programme, and the support she got from her family.
Besides the financial challenges, Malissa also had to deal with ongoing gang violence in her community, but despite the challenges, she pushed through.
She achieved a 94% for physical science, her highest mark, and it is her passion for this subject that encouraged her to apply at the University of Cape Town (UCT) to do astrophysics. She was elated to learn that she was accepted in this field of study.
“I have always been curious about how the world evolved, and physics looks deep into how and where we come from. Physics was also my favourite subject, because I could see things happening. It’s very interesting,” Malissa said.
She worked hard throughout the year to prepare herself for the examinations, she said. Most mornings Malissa would be up at 5am to revise or complete whatever school work she did not finish the day before. Sometimes she woke as early as 4am.
“So my typical day would start at 5am usually, and after school, I would relax for an hour, before doing my homework or studying. If I have projects, I put in extra time to complete it. I always made sure that I understood the work. If I didn’t understand anything, I would ask questions or read over the concepts until I understood it. I made sure that I grasp the basics of the concept.”
Malissa is the eldest of two daughters, and her sister, Michelle, 11, has already been inspired by her.
“She’s a hard worker. She told me she is going to beat my scores,” Malissa said.
Speaking about the affect gang violence had on her studies, she added: “The shooting was especially bad last year. It was emotionally stressful, and it was scary leaving the house. Taxis were also targeted, making it difficult to get to school. Almost every day shootings happened, and young people either got hurt or were killed. I must add, that there are a lot of good people in Bonteheuwel, many of whom showed me their support.”
Her mother, Elmarie Julius, said she is very proud of her daughter.
“I thank God for His blessings. I have a lot to be grateful for. We hope one day Malissa can make a difference in the community – that’s what we are planning to do,” Ms Julius said.
Malissa thanked all her teachers for all their efforts, the community for their encouragement, her family for their support, God for the opportunity, and the tutors at Shawco Shine Programme who helped her improve her marks.
She encouraged this year’s Grade 12 pupils to work hard, to remember their goals, and to chase their dreams.