The Underdog Becomes A Graduate
Thabisa Moloele • January 18, 2021
The definition of underdog is a person who is likely not to win or succeed. Attending a high school like Pecanwood College as prestigious as it is that is exactly how I felt, like an underdog. Being surrounded by peers who were younger than me and performing well not only in sports but academically was slightly intimidating. There were times that I wished that I could send my parents a text saying I got a distinction for test or exam, the amount of time and endless tutoring I did I still couldn’t send that magical text to them. So one night I sat in my room in hostel thinking about my interests and what it would be like to be successful in something that really mattered to me. I had two options, to either stress myself over getting a distinction or continue doing my best. So I chose option two, I was no longer fixed on a distinction I was focused on making myself and those surrounding me proud. The first proud moment was matriculating in 2015, the year that came with so many challenges personally and academically. Walking into 2016 I could finally say goodbye to what was and now look at what could be.
In the beginning of that year I was set on attending school at the IIE MSA (formerly known as Monash South Africa) but unfortunately I did not meet the requirements. Devastated I just wanted to go home but my mother was determined to find a school that we found ourselves at Varsity College Sandton registering for a Higher Certificate in Event Management. What we liked most about this qualification was that once it was completed I would then have a NQL 5 qualification. During this course I learnt a lot about executing and planning events that I realised how much I loved the whole process behind hosting an event that I joined a committee on campus that focused on hosting events for the students, the Social Committee. Once I completed my first qualification I moved onto pursing a bachelor’s degree in English and Communications, itself came with its own challenges. The biggest challenge was completing my final year in a very strange yet unusual conditions as 2020 brought a worldwide Coronavirus pandemic.
December 18th 2020 was the day the results were being released I was so nervous as the last time I was this nervous was in 2015 waiting to get the text message of my matric results. I logged into my campus portal and there I saw that I had passed my degree with 1 distinction for Global Communications. It was a very exciting moment that I couldn’t keep it to myself I told my family and close friends the good news.
It took a few years but today in 2021 I can officially say that I am a two time IIE Varsity College Graduate. No longer feel like an underdog! I took my own time to chase my dreams and create my own success story.
What’s next? I’ve been provisionally accepted to 3 different schools for a honours degree and I’m currently looking for internships in the desired field of Journalism or Communications. I would like to start a blog mid year and become a content producer for a television program in the future.
In closing I would like to acknowledge my parents because without their love and support none of this would’ve even been possible. I thank them for always believing and encouraging me to live out my dreams. I’m forever grateful to the both of you.To those that feel like underdog know that you are capable of creating your own success in your own way and time. I did it and so will you just believe in yourself! This is just the beginning…
Twenty years of trusted education meets expanded opportunities, greater accessibility and future-ready learning from January 2027. Families across Hartbeespoort can look forward to an even stronger independent school offering as Pecanwood College becomes Pinnacle College Pecanwood from January 2027. The transition brings together two decades of local educational excellence with the academic strength, innovation and opportunities offered by the expanding Pinnacle Colleges network. Current and prospective families stand to benefit from a school that retains everything the community values while opening the door to even greater opportunities. Pinnacle College Pecanwood will preserve the school's caring culture, close relationships, boarding facilities, IEB curriculum, sporting tradition and vibrant co-curricular programme, while providing students access to a broader network recognised for academic excellence, future-focused learning and preparation for life beyond school. Pecanwood College has proudly served the Hartbeespoort community for 20 years, offering education from the early years through to Grade 12, including boarding. Dedicated teachers, a nurturing environment, strong IEB academic results and diverse sporting and cultural opportunities have established the school as a respected educational institution in the region. That solid foundation will now be enhanced through the wider Pinnacle Colleges network. Students and teachers will benefit from shared academic expertise, established operational excellence and opportunities to participate in broader academic, cultural and sporting initiatives across multiple campuses. Pinnacle Colleges equips students for tertiary education and successful careers through a balanced approach that combines academic excellence with innovation, career guidance, coding and robotics, technology-enabled learning and holistic personal development. Respect, responsibility and a strong sense of community remain central to every campus experience. Academic success already defines Pecanwood College. The Class of 2025 achieved an impressive 98.59% matric pass rate, a 94.36% Bachelor's Degree pass rate and an average of 1.9 distinctions per student. Pinnacle College Pecanwood will build on these achievements through strengthened academic systems, shared expertise and continued commitment to outstanding IEB education. The name Pinnacle College Pecanwood honours both the school's proud heritage and its exciting future. Twenty years of commitment by students, teachers, families and the wider community remain firmly embedded in the school's identity, while its new name reflects membership of one of South Africa's fastest-growing independent school groups dedicated to innovation, accessibility and student success. Hartbeespoort families can now enjoy the best of both worlds: a close-knit community lifestyle paired with access to a high-quality independent education close to home. Pinnacle College Pecanwood is well positioned to become the school of choice for families seeking exceptional academic opportunities, future-ready skills and an environment where every student can thrive.
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