Boy scoops 14 straight As at O-Level

RUSUNUNGUKO High School's 16-year- old student, TAKUDZWA MUDZIMIREMA, scooped 14 straight As at 0-Level. The Sunday Mail's ABIGAIL MHONDORO got in touch with him to find out what makes him tick. Read the following one-on-one to learn of the boy's journey towards a chain of As.

ABIGAIL MHONDORO (A.M): Why did you choose to do 14 subjects at Ordinary level ,Takudzwa?
TAKUDZWA MUDZIMIREMA (T.M): I chose 14 so that I would increase my chances of getting a scholarship for my Advanced Level.

A.M: Have you had any scholarship offers as yet?
T.M: Not yet, but I am looking forward to a number of scholarships preferably those that aid in payment of fees whether locally, regionally or internationally.

A.M: Were you a day scholar or boarder?
T.M: I was in boarding.

A.M: What was your typical day like?
T.M: Usually I would spend 95 percent of my time studying and the other percentage; I would split to socializing and giving help to those who faced academic challenges.

A.M: Were you engaged in any extracurricular activities?
T.M: I did athletics for sports but after facing difficulties from a pelvic bone injury, I then resorted to mind games and I was in the quiz team that participated in the Book of African Records to national level in the year 2014.

A.M: Having these 14As, what is your ambition?
T.M: My ambition ever since I was a toddler was to break records in all aspects and now that I have broken a family record, I want to pursue my ambition to study aeronautics.

A.M: With these numerous As have you decided on which combination you are going to undertake for your Advanced level?
T.M: I want to embark on Further Mathematics, Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry (F.M.P.C) and if I am able to bear the load I also want to add Geography.

A.M: With the poor pass rate Geography recorded over the past few years almost nationwide, why would you want to add it as a fifth A-Level subject?
T.M: I'm glad you said almost nationwide because my school does not belong to that statistic. Our A-levels recorded a 100 percent pass rate in Geo and 12 out of the 22 students had As. The worst had Cs. I'm going back to Rusununguko so I am in safe hands.

A.M: Interesting. What are the challenges that you faced whilst undertaking your O'level?
T.M: I faced financial hardships as my fees would not be paid on time and I would lag behind others when the school term began, there was a shortage of textbooks and I also faced peer pressure from fellow students who did not like my perseverance and determination but I managed to stand my ground.

A.M: How has your academic background been?
T.M: I don't mean to brag but I have always been blessed with intelligence though in primary school I had not realised my full potential but managed to discover myself in high school because I used to get about five prizes in different disciplines and I always became the Best Student.

A.M: Given the chance, would you like to change from the school that you were attending?
T.M: Honestly, there is no better school for me than Rusununguko. I am afraid that if I change the environment, I may lose focus. However, if there is a chance to benefit my school I would say yes, because there is need for more textbooks and funding for sporting activities.

A.M: What is your word to those who are currently undertaking their ordinary level?
T.M: The trick behind is to focus and to burn candles (kubhena macandle), teamwork is very essential and above all God first, prayer is the best study guide.

Takudzwa Mudzimirema can be contacted on 0776 905 941.