High School Memories

Select photo to view each school's memories:


Alexandra High School
(1983 and 1984)
Pinetown Boys' High School
(1985 to 1988)

Foreword: I believe something that has helped me tremendously was the discipline I received in these two South African high schools. I was taught to respect authority--even my peers, in the form of prefects. We learned to have manners and to be careful what we say and do. I wouldn't trade the caning, hair-cut checks, lessons of respect for authority, and lectures about our attitude for anything. It didn't seem like it at the time, but it was excellent training--especially during the teenage years.
The only aspect in which I feel my high school days were detrimental was in relating to/interacting with girls. All of my teen years were spent at all-boys' schools, and after graduating from high school, I was (and still am) rather inwardly shy around girls. Since I've been in a full-time job in an all-male engineering organization since 1989, opportunities for spending time with women have been virtually non-existent. Had I been rubbing shoulders most of the day with guys and girls throughout high school, I think I would have seen a marked improvement in relating to, and interacting with them, as well as dispelling some fears and preconceived ideas. It certainly would have helped motivate me to work harder in class.