Alumnus shines at Skidmore

27.10.11

After being granted the SSP scholarship, Johannes Matake was placed at the American International School of Johannesburg (AISJ). Joe, as he is now known to his American friends, hails from the township of Alexander where he stayed with his grandmother. When he matriculated earlier this year, he was offered yet another full scholarship. This time to an American college called Skidmore. His first semester started in August 2011, but Johannes has already moved up to the advanced Calculus class!

Representatives from Skidmore and Oberlin Colleges recently visited the SSP office to present to current SSP students. Dean Mendes, of Skidmore College, explained what a great feat it is for a 'freshman' to be moved to an advanced class, especially so soon after enrolling at college. 

Below, Johannes writes about his experience at Skidmore so far.

Come to think of it, not much is different between Skidmore and AISJ. Since it is a Liberal Arts College, it feels like I am doing IB all over again because of the college requirements. But I am definitely enjoying my classes, especially English. I never thought I would be saying that but it's going well at the moment. I am taking Calculus II honors, which is challenging but worth it, and also physics. Unfortunately there is no placement exam for physics so I had to take the beginner level.

My 4th class is Seminar (another college requirement) about the Federal Reserve, and I am so happy I chose this particular seminar at this point in time. We are currently reading a book by Ron Paul called "End the FED" and through the class discussions about the book, I've been able to understand American politics and how the government here works. The reason why I am glad about the class is because I now understand the political debates occurring in the news every night - they will have their elections next year.

The social life is overwhelming. I am having a hard time keeping up with my extra-curricular activities than I am keeping up with my academic classes. I've made a couple of friends but I mainly spend most of my time with my floor mates and some international kids. I also wanted to try-out for the soccer team, but some of my classes clashed with the training session. So I am going to do some re-scheduling for next semester so I can at least be able to try-out. At the moment I go to the gym 4 times a week to run, lift weights and play some indoor soccer.

I really miss home, you guys, my family, TV shows, radio shows, FOOD (this has to be the biggest one) and the weather.

Please send my love and regards to the SSP family. Tell them their boy is doing fine.

SSP is proud of Johannes and wish him all the best.