Katherine the great

GRAAFF- REINET NEWS - The Gem of the Karoo's brightest young diamond, 18-year-old Katherine Imrie, has been awarded the Rupert Achievement Award as the highest achieving 2020 matric candidate in Graaff-Reinet.

The award is a cash prize that will be paid towards her studies.

Katherine, who matriculated from Union High with an average mark of 87,43% and 7 As, has just arrived at the University of Cape Town where she has been accepted to study a Bachelor of Science (BSc).

She believes that her generation has the responsibility to stand together to effect change and bring about a better world.

Her mother, Kim Imrie, Graaff-Reinet Tourism Manager, is Katherine's mentor.

Katherine's mother, Kim, whose husband, Christopher, a noted chemistry professor, died when their three children were still very young, says it's been a long, but fulfilling road.

"I am so incredibly proud of Katherine who has been by my side helping me ever since she was five. Now is the time for herself.

"I always said to myself if I just teach the kids to love God and know that he is looking out for them, they will be okay. As Psalm 68:5 states: A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows - is God in his holy dwelling."

The Advertiser asked Katherine a few questions as she starts her new adventure in Cape Town.

How did you achieve such excellent results?

I have a very determined nature and I give everything my all, no matter how small. I had a lot of support from my family and knew I had to work hard if I wanted to go to university. When you commit to something, you need people to lift you up when you feel like giving up. So, I got here through hard work.

What are your favourite subjects?

Mathematics and chemistry.

Have you always been an achiever?

No, I really struggled throughout primary school. The passing of my father hit me very hard and I was quite sickly. I had pneumonia in Gr 5 and was dangerously ill. I suffered from repeated lung infections due to my low immune system.

I found myself constantly falling behind with school work due to all the sick days. I was taken out of school in Gr 6 and home schooled and returned to school in Gr 7. When I enrolled at Union High, I started to see that I could do well. Union allowed me to believe in my own ability and provided the nurturing environment that I needed, where you aren't just a number in a system, but a person.

Do you have mentors or people who inspire you?

Yes, my mother. She is so determined and honest - never afraid to say what others are afraid to. She has brought me up knowing God which I could not have done without. She has moulded me into what I am today and for that I am extremely grateful. My mother is a strong person and she has given me every opportunity I could have wished for.

The Imrie children with their dad, Christopher, a noted professor in chemistry who died of a lung related illness in 2007 soon after this picture was taken when Katherine was 5, Alexandra 3, and Alastair two months old.

Do you do sport? What are your hobbies?

I have never been very sporty or competitive in that department, but I always took part and did swimming and hockey at school. I love being in nature and breathing in the fresh air. Apart from nature and hiking, I also enjoy reading and baking.

Why BSc? What do you plan career wise?

At this point in my life I really have no clue what I want to be. A BSc is a good starting point because it allows me to discover more along the way and to branch out in any direction. A BSc also combines all the subjects I enjoy.

Not many people my age know what they want career wise as there are countless options and no one is one-sided. We are multi-faceted and colourful. What I do know is that I love the outdoors and people and that you probably wouldn't catch me dead in an office job!

Why did you pick UCT?

I wanted to be near the sea and in the heart of the city. It's everyone's own choice, and UCT suits me as a person. It will allow me to grow and become independent. I am staying in a university residence.

How old are your siblings?

I am the oldest of three and turn 19 on 23 April. My sister Alexandra is 17 and in Gr 11 and my brother Alastair is 13 and in Gr 8. Both are in Union High.

How would you describe yourself?

I am determined and do well under pressure. I am also an eternal optimist who always see the good in people and the potential in someone or something to be beautiful and great. I would also describe myself as kind.

What music do you like?

It varies depending on my mood and the day. I love classical as well as old music, but also pop and indie rock. Really any music that has feeling and speaks to me.

Any advice for the youth?

No matter who you are, or where you come from, you have the potential to be whatever you set your mind to! Just don't give up, and believe in yourself. Change is coming. We have to be the generation to do things differently from past generations. It is time to look past our differences and unite in our common goals.