- Matric is often the most thrilling year for any high school student—until they realize just how intense it can get.
- A student recently shared a video showing her appearance at the start of matric compared to now, highlighting the toll it can take.
- Social media users rallied around her, offering encouragement and understanding for the pressure that comes with being in Grade 12.
Let me tell you, Grade 12 is no joke. A learner who’s been through the ringer because of her matric studies opened up about her experience after sharing a side-by-side comparison of her appearance at the start of the year versus now. This post struck a chord with many, as she explained how the demands of studying have left her little time for self-care.
Her TikTok video, posted under the username @itsss.nathi1, blew up, racking up an impressive 843K views, 99K likes, and over 200 comments. It’s clear that her story resonated deeply with others who’ve walked the same path.
Her Journey Through Matric: The Video That Sparked Conversation
The video begins with her looking polished and confident in her full school uniform, her hair styled perfectly in a sleek ponytail. But as the footage progresses, we see a different side of her—wearing sweatpants at school, combing her long hair during breaks, and even shedding tears in class. These moments paint a vivid picture of the emotional and physical toll that Grade 12 can take.
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Take a look at the video below—it’s a powerful reminder of the challenges students face during this pivotal year:
Mzansi Reacts: Acknowledging the Struggles of Matric
After posting the video, the response was overwhelming. Social media users from all over chimed in, agreeing that matric is one of the most stressful periods of life. Some even warned her that university would bring its own set of challenges—but for now, the focus remained on supporting her through this tough time.
User @Dreya 🦄 expressed her feelings this way:
"Yoh, I never want to experience matric again 😭"
Another user, @Anele Tsholoba, summed it up perfectly:
"Matric is draining, bro 😭 The only bright side is the excitement of starting and the matric dance 😭 The rest? Let’s not talk about it."
@Angel Anele Mahlangu offered some words of wisdom:
"You’ll bounce back during mid-year break, but trust me, after that, it’s back to square one 😭"
@Gugz🦄 added:
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"Next year, doing your hair will be the last thing on your mind 😭 You’ll even consider cutting it—university is worse 😭👍🏾"
And @Sedi💕 had this to say:
"If you haven’t cried this year, oh, you deserve an award 💔😔"
Even @khumbuhope shared a relatable memory:
"During matric, my maths teacher told us to cut our hair because we wouldn’t have time to style it. Yooh, she was right 😅"
A Matric Learner’s Transformation: Her Inspiring Story
How Far She’s Come
In a related story, Briefly News highlighted the journey of another Grade 12 student who documented her transformation throughout the year. In her video, she starts off looking radiant in her full uniform, a testament to the fresh-faced optimism of the beginning of the year. As the video progresses, though, we see her in moments of vulnerability—teary-eyed and clearly overwhelmed by the pressures of her studies.
Why This Matters
Stories like these are important because they humanize the experience of matric. They remind us that behind every report card and exam result is a student who’s working tirelessly to achieve their dreams. For those going through it, seeing others share their struggles can be incredibly validating. And for those who’ve already been there, it’s a chance to reflect on how far they’ve come.
So, to all the Grade 12 learners out there—keep pushing forward. You’ve got this! And remember, there’s a whole community of people cheering you on every step of the way.
