
- Aamena Patel says the Covid-19 lockdown worked in her favour because she enjoys independent learning.
- She is going to study medicine at the University of Cape Town.
- Patel achieved eight distinctions.
While most of her peers struggled with online learning, Aamena Patel from Parktown Girls High says it helped her thrive and cement her independence.
"I quite enjoyed studying online. I found I could work in my own time. To be able to do things in my own time, not rushed, gave me an opportunity to understand concepts."
She says online learning also helped her balance her duties as a prefect, public speaking, and playing hockey and tennis.
"All these things were very time consuming. Being at home in Grade 11 helped me as well to sort out my timetable. By the time we got to matric, it became much easier for me. I knew what I needed to do when."
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Patel achieved eight distinctions in AP maths, English, Afrikaans, maths, life orientation, history, life sciences and physical sciences.
She says she loved being in an all girls school. "I loved being in a girls school. I think where there are girls only, you get the concentration you need. There is no other distraction. You are taught a lot of independence and the strength of a woman. You are not told to act in a certain way. And it was great being with like-minded girls who strive for independence."
Patel says maths is her passion, and she plans to study medicine at the University of Cape Town. She also hopes to open a coffee shop one day.
"It's my dream. I’ve wanted that since I was a little girl, because I really associate the atmosphere of coffee shops with being able to relax and unwind. It's an underrated activity to go out for coffee with your family and friends and have a good time. I hope one day to actually get there."
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