Triumph over adversity: hospitalised matric pupil now pursuing chemical engineering at UKZN
emergency surgery
Jared Michael.
Image: Supplied
PHOENIX resident Jared Michael, who defied expectations by achieving six distinctions in his matric exams while recovering from emergency surgery in hospital, is now pursuing chemical engineering at UKZN.
The former Trenance Manor Secondary pupil was just a week away from writing his first final exam paper when he was admitted to Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital for emergency surgery.
Confined to an isolation room in hospital, he completed most of his matric exams under extraordinary conditions. With the support of hospital staff, teachers and education officials, he not only managed to sit for his exams but excelled, earning 90% in English Home Language, 86% in mathematics, 85% in physical sciences, 84% in life sciences, 87% in accounting and 85% in life orientation. He also achieved 75% in Afrikaans First Additional Language.
“It was quite the unusual experience being in a completely different environment than what I'm familiar with, but having the support of the hospital staff made the adverse predicament much more comfortable, and the examination process was much more comfortable than what my initial expectations,” Jared said.
Jared's experience of writing his matric exams in hospital.
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Despite his determination, the emotional toll was significant.
“I felt defeated and rather hopeless. I have always been dedicated to my studies and being faced with the possibility that I may not see the end of my schooling career as it was intended felt devastating,” he said.
“It was nerve-racking to say the least. Being in a situation where I had so much depending on my health really took a toll on my psyche.”
Jared described the experience as transformative.
“It feels as though a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. Knowing that my affliction has been remedied has given me a profound sense of acknowledgement to the fleeting nature of life and how unceremoniously challenges may occur. Also a sense of immense appreciation that I have triumphed over such an ordeal,” he said.
Now a university student, Jared has chosen to pursue a degree in chemical engineering at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), despite receiving offers from institutions including Wits and the University of Johannesburg. He has opted to stay closer to home.
“Physics and chemistry are subjects I really adore and chemical engineering encapsulates those concepts and also retains the challenging aspects of said subjects, refining such prowess exponentially.
“University offers several facilities to assist with one's studies, so I really appreciate the convenience it offers and the freedom to explore such provisions.”
Jared Michael with the principal of Trenance Manor Secondary, Mr Ramnarain.
Image: Supplied
Reflecting on his journey, he said: “Always have faith, to remain firm in integrity and to not doubt yourself. Trust in your capabilities, for wavering in believing in yourself immediately prospects for failure.”
His mother, Jayshree Michael, recalled the anxiety of seeing her son hospitalised so close to his final exams.
“Watching my son in the hospital a week before his final exams could begin was difficult but I knew I had to get him to write exams. I had to get a social worker at the hospital to assess if he was mentally ready to write his matric exams.”
After receiving clearance from both his doctor and a hospital social worker, the family contacted the Department of Education. The school principal also intervened to ensure Jared would be permitted to sit for his papers.
“People really came through to help us, it is emotional when I think about it. We could not have done it without everyone's help.
“Even though the hospital was helpful, they got his room ready and provided a desk for him to write on. Twelve teachers volunteered to invigilate his papers, it was heartwarming.”
When Jared was told he would be able to write his exams, his relief was immediate.
“When I told him that he will be writing his exams, he was so happy because he studied hard for this moment. He gave it his all and he made us proud. We want to thank God for taking care of us during our most difficult time.”
His mother says seeing her son thrive at university has been deeply rewarding.
“He is enjoying himself at university and I am so glad to see how far he has come after everything he has been through as a young child,” she said.