Writer: Nokuthula Mathibe
Growing up in the informal settlements of Winterverld I had a pretty great childhood. That was until my mother passed away in 2008 while I was in grade 10. The positive outcome about her death was that she left my brother behind who was 4 months old at the time.
The hardship then started kicking in due to the fact that she was the bread winner. My grandmother was also doing her part but the money was just not enough. To make matters worse my grandmother had to take pension and come home to look after my brother so that I can attend school. Other days were worse than the other ones. We applied for foster grants that took a year for us to get. The only thing that kept me going at the time was simply the love and support I received from my grandmother; she always had a smile on her face and made everything seem so easy.
In 2010 I matriculated, now the problem was insufficient funds further my studies. At the time I did not have information about the National Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and all the loans that were available for people in my situation. Well the Lord has many ways to bless a person, my grandmother’s employer offered to pay for my fees. I then applied at the University of Johannesburg to study Public Relations and Communications. I am doing my 3rd year now (2013) and currently working as student assistance at the university.
Life has challenges. In my situation I learned to be a responsible person at an early age whenever I get paid in whatever projects I get involved in I always send money home. I also learned to appreciate the little things in life and make the most of the situation I am faced with.
You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream. – CS Lewis
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