1. What impact has GradStar had on your life in 2020?
GradStar has had an extremely positive impact on my life. Being chosen as one of the top 100 students in South Africa is really a huge honour for me. Among others, GradStar has helped me gain confidence in myself and in my abilities. Having met all the other top students in the country has encouraged me to want to work even harder; to want to become the best I have ever been.
GradStar has also helped me to network with the top employers in the country. Through this experience, I was able to display my skills, all the way from analytical to problem-solving skills, to working in a team.
Being in the top 100 has also given me an opportunity to learn about myself. Among others, I was able to learn that I am a very resilient person. Through the hardships of the pandemic, amid the academic stress, I managed to make it to the top 100.
2. How do you stay motivated and on track with your studies?
I set realistic goals for myself. Goals that will challenge me at the end of the day. I also break down my work into manageable chunks; this helps me to stay focused and motivates me to continue studying once finished with a certain section.
Not to forget the love and support I get from friends and family. Knowing that there are people standing behind me, rooting for me, people who want to see me succeed in life, pushes me to want to be the best. As a result, this helps me stay focused in my studies.
I also connect with people who share the same or a similar vision as I do. This helps me stay focused. Finally, throughout my university career, I have mastered the art of not being afraid of challenges. Rather, I see them as opportunities for me to learn and become better than I was yesterday. This is to say, when I come across obstacles in my personal and/or academic life, I can push through these obstacles.
3. What drives you to excel in your studies?
I am driven by the fact that I want to be the best version of myself. This helps me to work hard and to actively seek new opportunities to learn. At the end of the day, I want to look back and be proud of myself.
I excel because I am not afraid to approach people when I am in need. I have come to understand that for one to excel in life, that human element is important.
I excel because I am not afraid of criticism. I also view criticism as an opportunity for me to learn and become my best version.
4. Will you recommend GradStar to other students? Why/Why not?
Definitely. GradStar is an amazing opportunity to learn. It is a great opportunity to meet new people, to network. GradStar enables you to see your potential. Amazingly, you relate to the top employers in South Africa. I would recommend GradStar to others.
5. What are your plans for 2020?
My plans for 2020 are to finish my LLB degree. To continue learning and continue becoming the best I can be.