Letter from Courtney Gehle:
Dear Prof Coetzee, Dr Haussmann and Dr Davis,
I hope the new year has been off to a good start as you welcome the new first years almost 10 years since I myself joined the department as a first year.
I have some news that I would like to share.
I was recently selected as a Schwarzman Scholar and awarded "one of the most prestigious post graduate fellowships in the world". I am the 5th South African to have ever been selected, the 2nd from Tukkies and the only one of both in the 2023/2024 cohort, selected from over 3,000 applicants.
Quoting from the Schwarzman Scholars website, scholars are selected for demonstrated excellence in leadership, character, integrity, academics, intercultural competency and entrepreneurial spirit. Looking back, these are all qualities that were either instilled or developed through my time at UP and so I wanted to share this news with my sincere thanks.
As a student, I received an exceptional amount of support and personal investment from the department and staff, especially Dr Davis. Each time I came forward with a seemingly crazy idea to "change the world" I was met with encouragement and understanding. I genuinely would not be who I am, nor would I have had half the opportunities I have had without that time. The older I get, the more I appreciate how significant that was, and I would like to say thank you so much.
If you would be interested in reading more about the Schwarzman Scholars programme, the official press release can be found here.
I wish you all a wonderful year full of good humour at the crazy teens who believe they're going to change the world some day.
Yours sincerely,
Courtney Gehle
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