Professor Arnold Schoonwinkel, the Vice Rector of learning and teaching, addressed the new students and encouraged them to do their best by setting goals, working hard, and arriving. He reminded them that with the freedom that comes from being at university, comes the responsibility to determine their own future.
"There is a lot of hope here."
During the proceedings, three former SciMathUS students had the chance to share their testimonies with the audience. Luthando Vazi spoke about the day he received his matric results as the worst day of his life, because his marks did not meet the requirements to qualify for a degree in medicine. On that day, Luthando did not see a future for his life. After spending a year on the SciMathUS programme, however, Luthando was accepted as a medical student at the Tygerberg campus where he is currently doing his 4th year and serves on the student counsel.
"I saw SciMathUS as a stepping stone in my journey forward. You are not taking the normal route, but you will still get there, and taking a different route does not make you disadvantaged. Turn your odds into stepping stones."
Being in the audience during these presentations, as well as seeing the success rate and statistics yielded by this programme, was inspiring and made me extremely proud to be part of it.
From left: Nokwanda Siyengo (programme manager), Professor Arnold Schoonwinkel (Vice Rector of learning and teaching), Luthandu Hlwempu (SciMathUS 2010 - currently studying BComm Financial Accounting), Rhulani Ngobeni (SciMathUS 2011 - currently studying BSc in Polymer sciences) and Luthando Vazi (SciMathUS 2008 - currently studying Medicine).
Op 7 Februarie het ons studente ook in Die Burger verskyn:
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