In the journey of life, challenges often arise unexpectedly, testing our resilience and determination. It is during these moments of adversity that our true character is revealed. Some may succumb to the weight of these challenges, while others rise above them, defying the odds and emerging stronger than ever.

This is BCom Accounting Sciences graduate Mtelele Mthimunye’s journey of refusing to be defined by circumstances, and of ultimately achieving one's dreams.

“My journey of chasing my dreams has been filled with countless challenges that shaped the person I am today. I was born into a loving family when suddenly, while in my youth, my parents separated, leaving me with uncertainty about my future. During this difficult time, my mother was unemployed and I had to drop out of school to look for a job to assist my family. For a year, I worked tirelessly, shouldering the responsibilities of adulthood while still in my youth. As painful as it was riding my bicycle to work in the morning, passing my peers on their way to school, I never lost hope nor gave up on myself.

“The flame of ambition and the longing for education burned within me, driving me back to the classroom despite the formidable obstacles I faced. Balancing high school studies with the demands of my part-time job became my daily struggle, but I persisted, determined to carve a path towards success. Against all odds, I emerged triumphant, passing my matric exams with flying colours – a testament to my unwavering determination and resilience. However, as I entered university, I found myself in a trap of pursuing a degree in environmental science – which did not align with my true passion – due to desperation and societal pressures.

“In a moment of clarity and self-discovery, I realised that true fulfilment lay in following my passion and not succumbing to external pressures. With courage and conviction, I made the bold decision to discontinue my studies and pursue my passion. Discontinuing my studies resulted in me having to return home and wait for the year to end. While back home I secured a full-time job at Pick n Pay, where I started working as a cashier while awaiting the opportunity to pursue my passion for accounting.

“Time went by and I applied for the BCom in Accounting Sciences degree at the University of Pretoria. When my application was accepted, I realised that it was now the time to pursue my passion. I resigned from Pick n Pay and enrolled at UP.

“Fortunately, during my first year of study, I was awarded a scholarship from the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation, known as the Dell Young Leaders scholarship. The scholarship provided me with enormous support, not only covering my fees, but also providing additional support and constantly checking up on me. My undergraduate journey was riddled with challenges, marked by the need to repeat my final year of study due to academic setbacks. Yet, I refused to let failure define me and held my head up high, viewing each obstacle as a stepping stone towards personal growth and development.

“Today, I stand as a beacon of hope and inspiration, a living testament to the transformative power of perseverance and following one’s true passion after having attained my first and not last degree from the University of Pretoria. My journey from adversity to achievement serves as a reminder that no dream is too big and no obstacle is too great to overcome.

“As I pursue my Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting Sciences at UP, funded by Thuthuka and EY, I do so with unwavering belief in the power of resilience, determination and self-belief. Top of Form

“A special thanks to my undergraduate and postgraduate lecturers for their continued support and to all my funders: NSFAS, the Micheal and Susan Dell Foundation, Thuthuka, EY and the James Christopher Foundation. Lastly, thanks to my fellow students who instilled the ‘you can do it mojo’ when I felt like it’s the end.”