Shannon Pillay was ecstatic as she achieved Cum Laude for her National Diploma in Food and Nutrition, Consumer Sciences. Pillay graduated during the Durban University of Technology (DUT) Autumn graduation, on Tuesday 23 May 2023 at the Olive Convention Centre.
Pillay gave credit to her mother, Sushi Pillay and her family as a whole for the amazing support they have shown her throughout her academic journey.
“My mother is my greatest inspiration and she continuously motivated me to work hard in all that I did no matter how great the challenges were. She has sacrificed so much for me to be where I am today ‘A proud Graduate of DUT’,” boasted Pillay.
Pillay is strongly involved in community projects and she works closely with the DUT Community Engagement unit. On March this year, Pillay donated 27 pairs of shoes to learners in need through the Adopt-A-Child for the School Shoes Donation Drive.
She then revealed that balance, time management, her strong leadership skills and the desire to make a change for people all around her has helped her find ways to manage her time with academics and the various community engagements.
“Three years flew by so fast, I have had the pleasure of meeting many inspiring individuals both locally and internationally throughout my time at DUT. DUT has helped me develop myself into a young, dynamic, creative and impactful student leader as well as helped me pave the way to become an entrepreneur. I am greatly appreciative to all my lecturers who motivated, encouraged and supported me to do my very best throughout my Diploma,” said Pillay.
The newly feathered graduate describes herself as a self-motivated, hardworking individual and she claims that she works very hard to achieve her goals. She is currently studying towards her Advanced Diploma in Food and Nutrition. Pillay explained that the feeling of achieving a Cum Laude pass was really exciting, declaring that it came with sleepless nights, early mornings and a lot of dedication.
Pillay advised all first year students who also aspire to achieve academic excellence to be persistent because nothing in life comes without sacrifice, time and dedication. She further advised the students to never give up on their dreams and aspirations to achieve success.
“Always believe and be confident in yourself and your abilities to do anything that you set your mind too. You can do it!” advised Pillay.
Pictured: Shannon Pillay with her mother, Sushi Pillay, at the graduation.
Photographer: Khulasande Tshayile
Nikiwe Sukazi
