For many students, academic confidence is a slow burn – built over time, shaped by experiences, and often sparked by a single defining moment. For one SAADP volunteer, that moment came in the form of a math test.“Growing up, I was always good at math but never saw myself as one of the best students in my class, so my confidence wasn’t very high. That all changed when I took a test and received the highest mark in the entire grade. It was the first time I’d ever achieved a feat like that, and I felt like I could accomplish anything.”

That moment of triumph became a turning point. It ignited a belief in their own potential and laid the foundation for academic excellence throughout high school and university. It was more than just a good grade – it was the first stepping stone to truly believing in themselves.

Paying It Forward: Tutoring with Purpose

Having benefited from the guidance of teachers and mentors, this SAADP volunteer understands the value of support – and the reality that many students don’t have access to it. That’s why they now offer pro-bono tutoring in math and physics, helping learners who need extra academic reinforcement.

“I also volunteer as a tutor for the South African Actuaries Development Programme, which is an amazing opportunity to give back and help the next generation of actuaries.”

Their commitment to education is not just about knowledge transfer – it’s about building confidence, just as someone once did for them.

The Power of Conversation: A Lesson in Empathy

Boarding school life comes with its own set of challenges, especially when one student’s behavior disrupts the entire dorm. After repeated group punishments and failed attempts to intervene, this volunteer chose a different path: empathy.

“I decided to try a different approach and had an honest conversation with him to try and understand why he was acting that way. After a long talk, I gained a new perspective and tried to lean into that to help him along the way.”

The student’s behavior didn’t change overnight, but the conversation planted a seed. Over time, he began to understand the impact of his actions. It was a powerful reminder that sometimes, change begins with simply being heard.

A Cello and an Exemption: Perseverance in Practice

Two accomplishments stand out in this volunteer’s journey: passing the Grade 8 cello exam and earning all exemptions during their undergraduate Actuarial Science degree.

“When I was seven, I started playing the cello and immediately fell in love with the prelude from Bach’s Suite No. 1. My teacher told me it was a Grade 8 piece and would take at least ten years to learn. Almost exactly ten years later, I passed my Grade 8 exam and finally learned the prelude.”

This musical milestone taught the value of long-term commitment and discipline—qualities that proved essential in the rigorous world of actuarial studies.

“I didn’t understand the importance of exemptions and simply tried my best to do well. But when I learned how pivotal they were, I knew I had to work hard to earn all of mine. Financial engineering was a worthy adversary, but I pushed through.”

Sleepless nights, relentless practice, and unwavering self-belief led to success. It’s a story of quiet determination and the rewards of perseverance.

From Learner to Leader

This SAADP volunteer’s journey – from a shy student to a confident academic achiever, empathetic peer, and dedicated tutor – is a testament to the power of belief, mentorship, and giving back. Their story reminds us that every student has the potential to shine – and sometimes, all it takes is one moment to light the way.