Not only did University of Pretoria (UP) alumna Tamara Damant complete her studies in record time, but she also became a liaison between lecturers and nursing students amid COVID-19.

Damant, who graduated with a Bachelor of Nursing Sciences (BCUR IetA) degree in 2020 via a virtual graduation ceremony, says that when COVID-19 hit South Africa, many students did not have full access to communication infrastructure. “I assisted with the communication and negotiations between UP and the students to ensure that students were loaned computers and had access to data devices and data,” she explains. “I was also instrumental in ensuring that students were able to return to hospitals and clinics to continue and conclude their practical requirements.”

The UP alumna currently works at a clinic in Potchefstroom in North West, where she completed her community service year. “I have level 3 first aid, basic life support and have done open-water rescue training courses.”

Damant says that one of the biggest challenges she faced in her first year as a student nurse was being unprepared for the trauma and death that she was exposed to. But being thrown in the deep end at 18 years old made her stronger both professionally and personally.

Also, being a class representative for three years equipped her with the ability to work through communication barriers between students and lecturers. “Having been a class leader for three years, I believe I have the skill to mentor and council prospective students,” she says.

Graduating from UP has deepened this growth and development, as she feels she has gained more than just knowledge and expertise in nursing.

“I have also graduated with improved insights and credentials, and have made life-time friends and colleagues,” Damant says. “As an alumna, I believe I can help engage prospective students and staff faculty members by communicating my journey and experiences at the University. UP has fully prepared me for the outside world; as a young graduate going into the professional world, I already have four years of work experience to my advantage and I feel adequately prepared. The most exciting thing about my degree is that nursing graduates from UP are of a high standard and recognised both nationally and internationally.”

Damant says that while prospective UP students need to be aware of the commitment and sacrifices that are needed, she also says that UP has various support structures to assist them with any challenges they may experience, and that the University has a great student life.