‘Effort and discipline truly matter’ – top achiever heads to UP

“In the first week of my final exams, I had six papers to complete. At the end of the week, I felt proud for finishing such a daunting task,” she says, reflecting on a matric year that tested both her discipline and resilience. “Another highlight was seeing my Robotics team compete at a national competition; their hard work really paid off. And early in the year, my public speaking and debate team performed exceptionally well, even though we were all new. Those moments showed me that effort and discipline truly matter.”

Nel mentions one of her challenges: “Time management was by far my biggest challenge,” she admits. “I had to find a balance between study and life, and I learnt that sometimes ‘good enough’ is enough.”

Beyond the classroom, robotics and music have been constant anchors. Robotics sharpened her critical thinking skills and gave her opportunities to teach younger learners maths and science through workshops run with her father. 

“It showed me how technology can be used to give back,” she says. 

Music provided a creative outlet for Nel; she was part of a choir, played piano in a church band and did ballroom dancing. She also spent time travelling or reading.

Her father’s influence runs deep. 

“He has taught me so much about science and maths, and together we discovered how robotics can allow us to ‘see a need and fill a need’ through our S.A.N.F.A.N club,” she explains.

Nel also shares why she chose to study at the University of Pretoria. 

“I wanted to stay close to home to see my younger sister and brother grow up, and the opportunity to live in residence at House Erica really excites me. I’m also looking forward to studying a course I love and being part of Tuks Camerata [UP’s choir].

“Tuks will help me improve my social skills as an introvert and develop a bigger teachable spirit, better health and fitness, and cultural appreciation,” she says. “Academically, it is the first stepping stone towards my dream of further studies at MIT.

 “Not everyone knows that I can speak French. I took French as a subject in high school and spent five weeks on a school exchange programme, where I was welcomed into a French family like a daughter. It really improved my language skills and broadened my perspective.”