When I hear Alicia Keys’ song, “This Girl is on Fire” playing on the radio, Sierra Mudangwe (RF2021) immediately comes to my mind. Sierra is, undoubtedly, a girl on fire!
Deputy Head Girl, Head of House (Nerine), Loveday Prize winner for Highest Aggregate in Grade 11 (2024) and subject prize winner in 6 subjects (including Physics, Mathematics and Further Studies Mathematics), Sierra is making sure to set Jeppe Girls alight! We caught up with her during the busy Flower Show week at school to hear more about her experiences and goals for the future:
Congratulations on your fantastic achievements in Grade 11, which one means the most to you?
The achievement I am most proud of is my subject award in Further Studies Maths Paper 1 and overall. This is because Further Studies Maths is a subject I particularly struggled with during my Grade 11 year and I often times contemplated dropping the subject. However, it was through my patience and the support of my teacher, Mr. van Koersveld, I was able to turn my struggles into my success. I hope to improve even further in the months to come.
What motivates you to work so hard?
My biggest motivation to work hard is that I have no excuse not to. I recognise and appreciate the many blessings I have in my life, such as access to academic resources and a support system that encourages me to excel to the best of my ability. My hard work is an expression of gratitude for the opportunities I have received that many others have not, as well as my hope to create those same opportunities for others in the future.
What are your aspirations after high school?
I have always been fascinated by artificial intelligence and robotics and their capabilities. I hope to pursue a degree in mechatronics engineering which is a degree that incorporates mechanical engineering, electrical engineering as well as computer science. I believe, if harnessed correctly, technology and innovation have the power to combat some of the longstanding challenges in the third world countries. My hope is to play a role in shaping a future where Africa stands at the forefront of technological innovation.
Who/What has helped you the most to get you where you are today?
My faith has played a pivotal role in my growth as an individual and as a student. My belief in God has been an unwavering source of strength and courage in the most trying times. However, I am yet to become the best version of myself, and I hope that my faith will continue to cultivate me into the woman I aspire to be.
What is your favourite part of high school?
It’s the time spent with my friends and classmates. The mornings spent cramming content in large groups right before a test, the breaks spent trying to finish homework while simultaneously eating, and the afternoons spent debriefing about the day’s events will all be core memories of my high school experience that I will cherish in the years to come. It is without a doubt the sisterhood that has made navigating high school and its troubles a lot easier.
What’s your least favourite part of high school?
The congested corridors during changeover! I honestly think its time humans evolve and start levitating.
How has getting the Ruth First scholarship changed your life?
The Ruth First scholarship has been instrumental in my holistic development and has exposed me to countless opportunities outside the classroom. It is more than just a scholarship that has put me in school, it’s a scholarship that has empowered me and allowed me to cultivate my own passions and potential. Through the mentorship sessions, the Ruth First alumnae and other scholarship recipients have inspired me and supported me in my aspirations.
Your donors are the Edgar Droste Trust, is there anything you would like to say to them?
Above all else, thank you, Thank You, THANK YOU!! The Trust’s commitment to empowering young girls through education embodies the ideals Ruth First lived and ultimately died for. I am eternally grateful that the Edgar Droste Trust made it possible for me to be a part of the Ruth First community which has been, and will continue to be, an integral part of my life.
What advice would you give to current and future Ruthies?
The most valuable advice I would give to future Ruth First scholars is to develop tenacity and self-belief. Do not make the mistake of settling for mediocrity out of fear of reaching for more. Find your forte and pursue it with relentless dedication. One of the greatest gifts you can give yourself is the courage to push limits and embrace challenges.
Well done Sierra. You embody the Jeppe Schools' motto of Forti Nihil Difficilius - nothing it too difficult for the brave!
Robyn Hill
Manager: Ruth First Jeppe Memorial Trust
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