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—something today's schools know nothing of. It certainly didn't seem like it at the time, but it was excellent training—especially during the teenage years. We were taught to respect authority—even our peers, in the form of prefects. We learned how to be polite, have manners, gained respect for authority and our elders, and to be careful what we say and do. Looking back, I wouldn't trade the caning (and yes, it hurt, but we all survived just fine), hair-cut checks, and lectures about our attitude for anything.
The only aspect in which I feel my high school days were detrimental was in relating to/interacting with girls. The majority 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 women. 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 notions about them. It certainly would have helped motivate me to work harder in class.