Before life gets loud: An Open Letter to the 18-Year-Old.

As the matric results for the Class of 2025 were released across South Africa, whether you passed with flying colours, scraped through, or are figuring out next steps, this moment matters. This newsletter is written especially for you.

As a professional looking back, I want to tell you this upfront: life does not suddenly become clear after matric, but it does begin to open. This is where doors start unlocking. This is where your choices start to shape you. This is where you start taking responsibility for the person you are becoming.

You are entering a season where freedom feels exciting but also risky. You’ll be offered things that look harmless:

• Alcohol that “everyone drinks”

• Drugs that “everyone tries”

• Lifestyles that seem glamorous, fast, and easy

Learn early that the hardest and most powerful word you will ever use is “no.” No to things that dull your purpose. No to things that rob you of clarity. No to pressure disguised as fun.

This is also the season where comparison creeps in quietly. You’ll look at what others have: phones, clothes, opportunities, money, confidence and start questioning what you don’t have. Please hear this clearly: comparison will damage your mental health faster than failure ever will.

Your journey is allowed to look different. Your pace is allowed to be slower. Your path is allowed to be unclear. Protect your mental health like your life depends on it because it does. Rest when you are tired. Speak when things feel heavy. Ask for help early, not when you are already drowning.

Step away from spaces, conversations, and people that make you feel smaller instead of stronger. And stay grounded in your faith. Not the loud kind. Not the performative kind. The quiet, anchoring kind that reminds you who you are when life gets noisy. The kind that keeps you steady when plans fall apart or take longer than expected.

Do things with your future self in mind. Not just your current emotions. Not just the moment. Not just the weekend. Your future will thank you for:

• Discipline over shortcuts

• Boundaries over people-pleasing

• Healing over pretending you’re fine

You don’t need to have everything figured out at 18. You just need to stay honest, intentional, and grounded. This is not the end. It’s not even the middle. It’s the opening chapter.

Be kind to yourself. Be brave with your decisions. Even when you don't see the full circle yet, God does. Walk steadily with this scripture in mind: "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

And remember, protecting your mind, your faith, and your future is real success.

With belief in you,

The Business Doctor, Keitumetse Lekaba