When asked what my passion in life is, apart from my family and running, one of the first (and rare, I might add) things that come to mind is Mathematics. I recently met an amazing lady who has an absolute fervour for gardening, and when I let her into my own (not so amazing and quite overgrown) garden, she was overcome with excitement, went into complete and enthusiastic gardening-mode and, apart from seeing my plants succumb to her fervency and happiness, I saw someone passionate about what she is doing. I was astounded and even jealous. For a moment I thought: “Wow – I want that too!” But a few seconds later I realised I HAVE THAT! I have exactly that same delight when it comes to Mathematics. Give me someone who struggles or wants to do better and I am the one transported to a problem-solving place where I am seeking solutions and desperate to see that person joyfully succeed.
I am thankful for this passion for Mathematics that my Creator instilled in me, and that I can call it by name. That is my heart for everyone in my Mathematics class – to find what makes their heart beat faster and to go for it with all they’ve got.
I studied and got my honours in BSc Dietetics at the University of the Free State, after which I worked as a dietician for two years in Rustenburg. This is where I fell in love with my husband, as well as Mathematics. In 2010 I started working at Rustenburg High School as a student teacher while doing my Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) through Unisa. I ran my own business (extra Maths classes) for 6 amazing years and taught Mathematics for 4 years at a private high school, after which we (my husband, two beautiful children, and I) made the big move from small-town living to big city living in Pretoria. I now work for Valenture Institute at UCT Online High School as a Senior Mathematics teacher, and loving every second of it!
