New challenges for matric stars

IT has been wonderful to see the achievements of the matric class of 2016.

All those who passed are to be congratulated – not only those who earned a bagful of distinctions.

Those who did, are most likely heading off to university, with high hopes of attaining a degree that will stand them in good stead as they strive for meaningful and successful careers.

Apart from the academic challenges, they face other tough tests of character.

One is that, away from parental guidance and teacher supervision, they may slack or be tempted by social distractions.

These may take the form of parties, alcohol, sex and drugs. (There always seems to be money available for these, despite the call for free education by the ‘poor’.)

Of course there are many legitimate students lacking finances, which brings in yet another possible pitfall of looking for a ‘blesser’.

Another potential distraction is the danger of becoming overly politicised and even radicalised, deviating them from a path of concentrated study.

Alas, these new students will stand alongside those who ended the past year burning down the very institutions others have longed to attend.

Peer pressure, fear and the desire to be accepted may turn the most timid of young first-years into an anti-establishment extremist.

Who would want to be a parent of a university beginner?

Young men and women, keep your feet firmly on the ground and be your own person, true to the values on which you were raised.

P BURROWS