While Grade 12 pupils were anxious about writing their preliminary examinations ahead of the finals last year, Antonio Aristides feared for the worst when his health took a turn for the worse.

The 19-year-old former SAHETI School pupil was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system while writing prelims.

He had to undergo chemotherapy, which continued throughout his finals.

But Aristides’ health proved no deterrent as he has been named a commendable achiever by the Independent Examinations Board (IEB) after bagging eight distinctions.

He is ranked within the top 5% of IEB candidates nationally in more than five subjects and has also been ranked within the top 1% for English, nationally.

Speaking to News24 on Monday, Aristides said, although there were downs, especially towards the end of the year, with the cancer diagnosis, he had vowed he would finish his matric no matter what challenges came his way.

He added he could not have done it without the support of his family, friends and SAHETI School, which is situated in Bedfordview, Johannesburg.

Studying while in chemo

The top achiever added that time management had played a “huge role” as he prepared for his finals, more than previously.

“In matric, you learn to work every day you can. I balanced everything. Whenever I felt well, I tried to put in as much as I could. So that when I was not feeling well, I was able to take a break.

“If I went for chemo, I would try to get some hours in [of studying], while sitting there. I was not going to waste that time.”

He added he was hoping to pursue studies in engineering, although he was not sure at which institution yet. But first, he wants to ensure that he is good health before making his decision.

Aristides said his last chemotherapy session was expected to be on January 17.

SAHETI School’s Class of 2019 received 242 distinctions, of which five pupils received distinctions in eight and nine subjects.