Tamsin Thom

28 September 2022

Tamsin Thom Curro Hermanus - 2015

 

Moving to a new country is never easy, especially when you have to adjust to a new school – and a new language. However, Tamsin was quickly made to feel at home. ‘I started at Curro Hermanus in August of 2013, on my birthday. Not knowing anyone, one of the learners made the day special and purchased a cupcake from the tuck shop and sang happy birthday to me during first break … she has been my best friend since then,’ shares Tamsin.

When Tamsin’s parents moved back from Australia after many years, she barely understood Afrikaans. She received exemption from taking the subject, but had to take an additional elective subject, as Umalusi requires a matriculant to take seven subjects. This made catching up the year’s work quite difficult. ‘I had to “self-teach” Business Studies, write extra tests after school and miss some classes to take tests with the rest of my classmates,’ she remembers. ‘My teachers spent extra time with me in the afternoons and greatly supported me in all my subjects.’

The habit of taking responsibility for her own studies drove Tamsin to progressing to each university level at the top her class – in a commerce field, no less – and she graduated with distinction to boot. ‘You should always make the most of the opportunities presented to you, and put 100% effort into everything you do,’ she advises.

After graduation, Tamsin went on to complete her BCom Honours in Management (also with distinction!) and then enrolled for a Master of Commerce, which she obtained in 2021. Wow!

‘Curro prepared me for what university and the professional world had to offer. I learnt how to stay self-motivated, self-disciplined, and how to maintain a balance between work, sport and social experiences,’ says Tamsin. She now works as an AS and A Level Cambridge teacher in Hermanus and also leads the vocational matric pathway for the Business and Applied Statistics students.

‘[I plan to] continue my academic journey (the what, when and how still to be decided), move overseas (traveling is always a good adventure and great experience), [and] embrace any and all opportunities that I may encounter or create for myself.’

We’re behind you every step of the way, Tamsin!