Reflections on life

In a world where many rush through life’s milestones, three of our teachers share their advice for their younger selves and stories of personal growth, emphasising the importance of enjoying the present, embracing opportunities, and trusting the path ahead. Mrs. Potgieter, Mr. Timm, and Miss De Coning each offered unique insights from their own experiences, reminding us that every stage of life is worth savouring. 

Mrs. Potgieter, reflecting on her younger self, shared one piece of advice: "Enjoy this moment." This simple yet powerful statement comes from a realisation that much of her life was spent looking ahead rather than living in the now. “I feel like my whole life was just a countdown to the next step: high school, graduation, university, work, marriage,” she recalled. “But doing that made me miss opportunities to just be present, like just sitting in an art class and soaking it in.” Although she described high school as “the good years”, she admits she was “always stuck in the future.” A turning point came just before she turned 30, when a course in relationship therapy made her realise the importance of self-awareness. “Your first relationship is with yourself,” she explained. “There is no relationship if you don’t exist.” Her final message: “Don’t wish for the next stage, enjoy each stage. Every day is Friday to me.” Mrs. Potgieter’s wisdom encourages us to pause, appreciate the present, and live more mindfully. 

For Mr. Timm, his advice to his younger self is straightforward: “Make use of every opportunity you can and get out of your comfort zone.” His years as a teacher at Kingswood College and his decade-long career in Chubb taught him that growth often comes from pushing boundaries. “That’s probably why I had my heart attack,” he joked, adding that “some people are late developers.” Mr. Timm also lives by a second motto: “Life is short.” This belief led to some of his most memorable moments, from hitting his Biology teacher with a snowball in 1979 to locking his Afrikaans teacher in a classroom. Rugby also played a significant role in his life, with standout memories like playing against the matric girls and being part of Kingswood’s first multiracial rugby team. His final advice: “Don’t live with regrets.” When asked if he had any, he humorously replied, “I regret taking Science. But I didn’t drop Science, Science dropped me.” His advice to matrics? “Always look at things from the other person’s point of view.” 

Miss De Coning’s advice to her younger self? “Make the most out of every moment.” Although shy as a student, she found happiness in school, particularly through her involvement in sports. “School was my happy place,” she shared. She participated in everything from cheerleading and first-team hockey to ballet, even performing at the Grahamstown National Arts Festival. From her experiences as a teacher, she now sees how many young people are eager to grow up too quickly. “This stuff sticks with you for life,” she said, encouraging others to cherish the little things. Her favourite memories often came from her time spent in the classroom and on the sports field. Miss De Coning fondly remembered her teachers, giving special mention to her“crazy” Biology teacher who had full conversations with a skeleton and a fish. “No matter where your journey takes you, it’s where you’re supposed to be,” she said, reminding everyone that uncertainty is part of life’s path.

The stories of Mrs. Potgieter, Mr. Timm, and Miss De Coning remind us that life is not about rushing to the next milestone, but rather savouring each step along the way. Their reflections emphasise the importance of living in the present, seizing opportunities, and finding peace in wherever life’s journey takes us. Miss De Coning’s advice rings true for us all: “Enjoy the small things and trust your path. Your journey is your own, and it’s unfolding exactly as it should.” In a world that constantly pushes us forward, their wisdom encourages us to pause, reflect, and live fully in the moment, because the memories we create today will shape who we become tomorrow.