I transferred to Petra High School in Form 1 second term after being bullied at my previous school. A beautiful red headed steward was assigned to me. Her name was Bronwyn. She was so helpful and helped me transition smoothly into my new school.
For the first two terms I struggled to make friends. I’d sit by the Admin block which was the SEN Department by the time I left Petra. Mrs Nyoni (the bursar) would see me sitting alone and she invited me to spend my break time with her. I am still grateful for the kindness that she showed me.
When I was in Form 4, I went through a very trying time. I was erratic and acting out and I know without a doubt in my mind that the school counsellor (Miss Menouta) may have saved my life. My whole time at Petra High was living proof that God and good people truly exist.
My favourite subject was Art. We had the best art teacher in the world, Mrs. Amanda Van der Merwe and I found this room very difficult to leave! There was always competition over who would pick the music that would play during the lesson. Some of my closest friends today were my art room colleagues then. Sifiso, Buhle, Sisa, Tash and I seriously over-played that Shock Value 2 album!
In Lower Sixth, I had to drop out of school due to financial constraints. I remember Miss V. Nyoni saying, “You can’t drop out, where will my A in English Literature come from?” Mrs. Collier made me write a letter explaining my situation and by God’s grace, I got a scholarship from an anonymous donor. I really wouldn’t be where I am now without all the love and support that I got from the staff and students that I met during my time at Petra High school. On this rock, you built Thembi Terry.
Needless to say, I got that A in English Literature and now I make my living through writing as a copywriter and a blogger (www.thembiterry.co.zw). Miss Y. Musa sent me a message on LinkedIn saying how proud of me she was. I’d like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to her and all my other teachers, yes including Miss Vickery, for everything. Thank you for being so passionate about your role as teachers and taking it seriously. Without you, we wouldn’t be where we are today. On behalf of the class of 2007, NGIYABONGA.