lives. I think my greatest achievement so far is that I have an incredibly happy family life and that, to me, is the most important thing.
BIGGEST REGRET? Mrs Olivier: I think it would be not spending
enough time with my children and allowing my school life to domiMrs Olivier and Mr van Niekerk’s chapters at Worcester Gymnasium are drawing to a close. Through the years of teaching, they’ve had many experiences, so the Circum thought it best to see if some of these life lessons could be shared...
nate my life to such a point that I sometimes feel that I neglected them. They don’t feel that, they tell me, “Mom, you were around. You were there for us,“ but if I could have my life over, I would maybe have said no more to what the school expected of me, which I did over and beyond what lots
MOST IMPORTANT TIP FOR CHOOSING A CAREER?
of other people do. I just feel I missed out on spending more time with my kids.
Mr van Niekerk: Be careful of making a hobby into your career. It’s dangerous. What happens very quickly, which I learned the hard way, is that once your hobby becomes your job, you stop enjoying it as much. Look at the kind of person you are, try and figure out what’s going to make you happy – working with people, working with numbers,
etc. don’t look at the potential
ONE
SENTENCE YOU WISH YOU COULD SAY TO YOUR
PAST SELF?
Mr van Niekerk: Just try a little bit harder. I wish I could go back to my high school or university self and just say try a little harder.
paycheck, because if you work hard, and well, you’ll
Mrs Olivier: Breathe. Stay calm and breathe because
get paid well enough and you’ll be happier – simple as
God is in control. Especially this year, I’ve learned to just
that.
give over things I can’t control. I feel if you have a rela-
Mrs Olivier: It must be something you’re passionate about and something that you know will not only suit your ability but also your heart. I think too many people decide a career based on the financial gains and you must not want to work every day just because you want the salary. You need to find something that you’re excited to get up in the morning for and where you can make a difference.
GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT? Mr van Niekerk: My son! But honestly speaking, it’s seeing learners I’ve taught going on and doing very well in their
tionship with God, you’re never alone, no matter what you face. I think I want to have everything under control, I want everything to be organised, but He’s taught me to breathe.
WHAT AT
ARE YOU GOING TO MISS MOST ABOUT TEACHING
WG?
Mr van Niekerk: The kids. The fact that you get to work with amazing children and you get to create amazing
opportunities for them and see them grow – definitely miss that the most.
