The Pulverman twins started off their matric year on a tough note, as they had to navigate between an intensive school year and being clouded by grief.
This is after Jessica’s boyfriend died in his matric year in 2023.
“Although this did make my matric year one of my most emotionally and academically challenging years, the support I received from my school truly saved me,” said Jessica.
While Kirstie noted that Grade 12 was a fast paced year, Jessica said the examinations brought about moments of anxiety.
Having both achieved eight distinctions, the Brescia House School pupils concurred that they were prepared for the extra workload.
“It was daunting to know that my entire school career had led up to these exact examinations, but I felt extremely prepared and supported throughout the entire process,” said Jessica.
“Matric was a very fast paced academic year, but by focusing and limiting my priorities, I was able to cope well with the workload,” said Kirstie.
While Kirstie was lauded with a string of awards at the valedictory, Jessica travelled to the Western Cape and enjoyed regular visits at Stellenbosch University.
“I found it extremely motivating to see how all the life skills we had learnt in school were being applied and shone through into university life,” said Jessica.
“Creating lasting memories with my fellow Brescia peers for the last time was definitely a highlight. I also received some awards at the year end valediction, which made me feel very proud,” said Kirstie.
Unlike Kirstie who did not feel the pressures of online learning at the start of Grade 8 during Covid-19, her twin was concerned of adapting to online learning.
However, Kirstie experienced academic difficulties in Grade 9.
“Going into Grade 9 during our second lockdown, I found it was a lot harder to get motivated and stay on top of my work,” said Kirstie.
The 19-year-old twins emphasised they thrived in their academics through the support of the school staff, friends and family.
They also hope to start their engineering careers at Stellenbosch University.
As Jessica plans to study chemical engineering, Kirstie has set her eyes on the nuclear energy sector.
Jessica’s late boyfriend instilled in her in the love of maths and science, and engineering.
“After the four-year degree, I’d be extremely grateful to study a postgraduate (degree) in biomedical engineering, or a field that allows me to work alongside the healing science system,” said Jessica.
“I would love to study and work in the renewable energy sector in the future, specifically the nuclear energy sector,” said Kirstie.
They encouraged the next matric cohort to strike a balance between academics and social life, and invest in physical activities.
The Star