​​Since being named the country's overall top National Senior Certificate learner for 2021, things have felt a bit surreal for Ulrich le Roux from Paarl Boys' High School. But one thing is certain: He is on his way to Stellenbosch University (SU), and he cannot wait to become a Matie.

With an older brother who recently completed his Management Accounting degree at the university, Ulrich already knows and loves the campus. “I know how great the overall experience is – from the classes to residence to the student life. My brother enjoyed being there, and I've always known it is the campus for me." Ulrich will study Actuarial Science and reside in Eendrag residence.

Bit more than a maths prize​​

When he received the email from the Department of Basic Education inviting him to the top-performers ceremony, Ulrich had no idea he would be named the top candidate. “I thought I'd just get a prize for mathematics," he says.  

On 19 January 2022, Ulrich and mother Karen caught an early-morning flight to Gauteng to attend Minister Angie Motshekga's announcement of the matric results. “We were taken to the SABC for interviews and did a dry run of the prizegiving scheduled for the following day," he says. “The next morning, we had breakfast with Minister Motshekga and her deputy, and returned to the SABC studios in Auckland Park a few hours later for the actual ceremony."

“There was a lot of suspense," he describes the atmosphere at the prizegiving. When he was announced the country's top performer, he was both flabbergasted and thrilled. “I was completely surprised, and also delighted that all the hard work had paid off."

Ulrich also enjoyed the opportunity to meet fellow learners from across South Africa. “There were learners from every province who managed to do really well. Although we had never met before, we were united by our achievements. It was wonderful to be able to discuss our plans for the years ahead."

When he returned home and arrived at his school to celebrate his results, he was given a guard of honour by his proud teachers, fellow learners and even the mayor of Paarl.

Soldiered on despite Covid

He contracted Covid-19 just before he had to write his June exams. This was a serious setback, leaving Ulrich to catch up with several papers in a short space of time. His exam timetable was packed, but he remained committed and pushed on. “I couldn't focus fully on one subject at a time. It was hectic."

Asked about the secret to his success, he says: “My goal at the start of the year was just to work hard, but to balance this with relaxation. I didn't aim for specific marks. I didn't want to have any regrets regarding how I approached the year.

“I planned every day carefully. At the end of each day during the final exams, I made a list of all the things I had to study the next day. I was realistic in my goals, so I never felt overwhelmed. I also made time to relax by reading books unrelated to my studies, listening to music or podcasts, and watching YouTube videos."

Since completing the matric exams, Ulrich has started exercising again. In his spare time, he enjoys music and reading non-fiction about anything from the stock exchange to psychology. “I believe the more you learn, the better equipped you are to succeed in the world."