Yonela Mabona - My Life Story

Mzomhle High School

Adopter: Fevertree Consulting

I love life. Heaving self-confidence makes life a whole lot easier and fun. It gives me the freedom to be myself, say what I think and to try new things. I always think big about life.

In 1977, July, my grandmother and I were going to Cape Town. We got involved in a car accident. It was somewhere in Laingsburg when the tyres burst into flames. I was a two year old baby. A few people died including my grandmother and many were injured. I was found crawling, crawling in the road, cars passing by me. I was covered with blood all over, and was taken to a nearby hospital. It is now 2010, fourteen years later, and I still have some scars on my face. I now have grown and have learnt to accept myself as I am.

From preschool, until now in high school, I have always been shining and am planning to keep it that way. I have friends that shine because I influenced them positively. I am glad I don’t easily get influenced negatively.

In 2008 I got into high school, Mzomhle High School. I was caught between fear and excitement. I was ashamed of how I looked; I thought everybody would criticise me. I was also new to the puberty stage and was starting to notice people of the opposite sex. I thought no guy will fall for anybody like me. I then prioritised. I realised that I came here to learn not to notice males. Since then, I have been concentrating on my studies. I have learnt a lot in high school, and now know how to behave – as I was taught at home and the previous grades.

I feel good about myself. I love, respect and accept myself as I am. I’m proud of who I’ve become and I know who I want to be in life. I’ve got a vision and am now working on my mission.

Whenever I feel challenged I try to identify the problem and find out how to overcome it. I have a positive self-image and am confident in what I do. I always remember, while I am busy wondering what other people think of me, they’re probably wondering what I am thinking about them.

Dancing, singing and reading are my hobbies. After completing high school, I plan to go to MEDUNSA. I work hard because I would love to get a bursary or a scholarship, to study there. I don’t think my parents can afford getting me there.

I have learnt that you don’t have to be the best looking girl or guy at school or the class brain to be a success in life – the most important thing is to have self-confidence. Just believe in yourself.