For many, the centrepiece of their school career is undoubtedly the matric farewell.
Both here and overseas parents fork out for luxury cars and other fanfare, so that that their little princes and princesses can literally keep up with the Kardashians for just one night.
In a country like Namibia, with a rampant unemployment rate and many families living below the breadline, matric farewells can be a source of extreme stress for the family.
The greatest stressors include finding the perfect dress and hairdo. And of course, for many parents it is a time during which they have to deal with unrealistic expectations.
It is also the time of year that many of our Grade 12s get lost in this pomp and splendour, spending excessive time partying and getting up to frivolous mischief rather than focusing on what will carry them toward their dreams.
For most of us who have successfully navigated the stormy waters of high school, the allure of this stage of your school career is all too familiar.
They are about to enter into the 'big world' and many matric pupils have already started contemplating life beyond school.
Of course, it is a time of great excitement for parent and child, as they plan and prepare for the move up to tertiary education and a change of life that includes a new friendship circle and even a new town, city or country.
Yet, in the midst of all this, sometimes it is necessary and sobering to remind matric pupils that an investment in their studies now will pay off handsomely when their results are revealed.
It is one thing to be the belle of the ball for one night, but the reality is your family, your community and your country need you to put your best foot forward in terms of your studying effort ahead of your final examinations.
Many people known and even unknown to you are rooting for your success.
Namibia needs its youth to be at the forefront of striving for excellence and academically we must produce the best of the best, in order for them to forge ahead in life and drive the country forward.
We have all been there.
We know what it is like during matric farewell season and what pressures and pleasures come with it.
However, now is the time for our Grade 12s to invest heavily in their future by showing discipline and putting in the hard yards with their studying.
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