Women's Month: Focus on Ms Saronda Fillis

Q: Job title and in which department/research entity do you work?
A: Departmental Administrator in the Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology. It is a major honour to be part of such a remarkable unit. I am currently working toward a Bachelor of Law (LLB) degree with the possibility of going on to pursue a master's degree.

Q: What has been the highlight of your career?
A: An offer to work with the University of Pretoria, which has emerged as one of South Africa's top-performing research institutions. In 2015, I was privileged to meet Prof Debra Meyer, now Executive Dean of Science at the University of Johannesburg. In 2017, I met Justice Leona Theron, a Judge on the Constitutional Court of South Africa. These women are a source of inspiration to girls everywhere, and they prove that girls can accomplish anything.

Q: What inspires you?
A: Aiming for success, the ability to persist in the face of difficulty. It requires mental and physical strength, which takes an enormous determination to meet your goals.

Q: What challenges have you experienced in your career?
A: Often, you deal with students whose personal challenges impede their studies, but you cannot assist. The most you can do is listen and direct them to someone. The challenge is the inherent difficulty of juggling full-time work with part-time studies, which often meant giving up time with family and friends.

Q: What message do you have for the youth of South Africa?
A: Do not try to replicate a recipe for success in life, and don't fake it until you make it. Living your best life requires absolute confidence, the kind of confidence gained through knowing who you are, what your skills and talents are, and having the courage to go after your dreams. Take control of your life with education and knowledge because no one can take that from you.