"Steemit Engagement Challenge S13/W4- “What was your favorite subject in high school?"

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They call them “pliggies” here in South Africa.

They are those children who, at school, could do nothing wrong. They worked hard at their school work, paid attention in class, took part in sports and other school activities, and their homework was always done.

Well, that was me. I was a “pliggie.” Not that I was mad about school, but for the simple reason that I was brought up to give my best in everything I do. I gave it my best!

My favorite subject made learning effortless for me.

From a very young age, my dad invested in the knowledge of his three children. He made us read the newspaper every day. Funny enough, if I look at what we’ve accomplished, it is clear that those newspapers influenced our lives.

My brother – He is the editor of a prestigious Asian magazine. As a journalist and copywriter, he speaks 36 languages and travels the world at the cost of others.

My sister – She is a true mommy. She and my mother always read the “female” section of the newspaper. They read "What’s happening on the red carpet", recipes, and the “Dear Aunty Sue” column. It brought the best out of my sister. She is the mommy of hundreds of children at the swim school.

Me – I read every single word. I was hooked on what’s happening in our country and the world: financial ups and downs, gossip about the rich and famous, and, of course, the sport.

I do believe that my love for history and business economics developed from reading the newspaper.

Now, the question is, what is my favorite subject and not subjects? I don’t have to toss a coin to decide between these two subjects. In my mind, it is business economics, but deep down in my heart, it is history.

History is all around us; it is entertaining, it is knowledge, and it doesn’t lie.

• History tells us interesting facts about humans
• History teaches us about who we are
• History lets us understand the world we are living in today
• History allows us to make decisions
• History shows us that changes happen over time
• History gives us the background of other subjects
• History encourages us to think
• History connects the dots for us

Often, when I was battling with a subject, I would revert to its history to make me understand it better. By doing this, the subject became interesting, and I gained a lot of insight. I do believe this is also why history is taught to children from the very first day they go to school.

Did I manage to get good marks in my favorite subject, or did I face any hardship at any particular time?

From what I can remember, I always passed history with flying colors from primary school to high school. I matriculated with an “A” in my final school year.

When I furthered my education in political science, it was again the history side that helped me a lot.

History is not like maths where 1 and 1 can be 2, or it can even be 11. History is not difficult to understand. Yes, it might be a lot of learning, but if you study it correctly, you will remember it for years to come.

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Are there any other subjects that I like?

I’ve already mentioned the fact that I like business economics. It was also a subject that I did very well in and also received an “A” in my final year.

In fact, I chose business economics above history when I was thinking about starting a career. I wanted to start my working career at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). Those days, women were not allowed on the “floor.” I even wrote to our Prime Minister to tell him about my dream and to ask him to permit me so that I could further my university studies to be the first woman to become a registered securities trader at the JSE. My wish was not granted. I was told that my aspirations were admired, but the JSE was not a place for women.

It was then that I decided to turn my studies to political science.

Do I help my children or siblings with their favorite subjects?

When the last of my two children walked over the stage in the school hall, I sighed in relief. School was over! Not only for them but also for me. I could put my pens and papers away.

Then it started all over again. I was blessed with two "not biological” children but with two “love children”, and I was back at school. It was time to invest in color pens, cartons, a good pair of scissors, glue, and color ink cartridges.

I was back helping with their favorite subject… SCHOOL PROJECTS! That subject that you hear about at 8 at night, “I forgot I’ve got a project that must be in tomorrow.”

You never stop helping; you only get to take a break as not long, and your grandchildren will be asking for your help.

COVID-19 was one of the most difficult times for me, as I had to homeschool my stepson. Now if you think it is easy to homeschool a teenager, think again. They are the cleverest people who have ever walked the earth, and you, as a parent, don’t know anything.

To crown it, in lockdown, when we were all frustrated and running on short tempers.
Well, we made it. I was one of those moms who jumped on the bed after dropping him off at school when schools were allowed to open again.

Let me share my day yesterday, 08 November 2023;

First, it was my granddaughter, Amy. She started exams, and I had to look for her for the notes I made for my stepson when he was in her grade. I also had to help her with a speech she had to write about an insect.

Next, it was my stepson, Divan. He needed my help with an open-book test paper that had to do in natural science. He kept me busy back and forth for a good thirty minutes.

Finally, is there any role for my favorite subject in my present-day life?

History is still present in my life. It might not be in the field in which I am working, but I will forever read more, watch documentaries, and listen to radio programs.

A highlight for me here in Steemit is when I get to read about the history of different countries, their religions, interesting facts, etc.
Awh, that is one thing I did not mention… history unites!

My heart doesn’t pump red; it pumps history.

^{This is 100% my own work!}

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