Receiving a Dean’s Merit Award for academic excellence for a 22-year-old Shalin Kumaran Moodley was truly a blessing as he graduated for his Honours Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Durban University of Technology (DUT) 2024 Autumn Graduation ceremony, held at the Olive Convention Centre on Monday, 20 May 2024.
Shalin’s academic journey commenced in 2019 at DUT, where he embarked on his Diploma in Mechanical Engineering. Undeterred by the challenges that lay ahead, Shalin dove headfirst into his studies, driven by a burning ambition to excel in his chosen field.
After successfully completing his Bachelor’s degree in 2022, Shalin set his sights on a new challenge obtaining his honours degree in mechanical engineering. This decision, driven by a personal goal to achieve academic excellence, proved to be a pivotal moment in Shalin’s journey, shaping him into the individual he is today.
The culmination of Shalin’s dedication and hard work was recently acknowledged with the prestigious Dean’s Merit Award, an accolade that left him feeling both humbled and elated. “Finding out that I’ve obtained the Dean’s Merit Award is so surreal,” shares Shalin. “I knew that I gave it my all and performed as well as I could, but achieving this prestigious award is truly a blessing.”
However, Shalin is quick to acknowledge that his success would not have been possible without the unwavering support of his family and friends. Their sacrifices and encouragement propelled him forward, serving as a constant source of motivation throughout his academic journey.
One of the key challenges Shalin encountered along the way was managing his time effectively. To overcome this hurdle, he adopted a structured approach, meticulously crafting schedules that allowed him to balance academic commitments with moments of rest and rejuvenation. By prioritizing tasks and adhering to a well-defined plan, Shalin was able to maximize his productivity while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Driven by a natural inclination towards problem-solving, Shalin’s affinity for engineering stems from a lifelong curiosity about the inner workings of the world around him. “I’ve always loved solving problems and figuring out how things work,” says Shalin. “Engineering allows me to keep exploring and understanding the world in a way that deeply resonates with me.”
Looking ahead, Shalin’s aspirations extend beyond academia as he sets his sights on gaining expertise in the realms of Information Technology (IT) and project management. He envisions leveraging his dual knowledge in engineering and IT to tackle complex challenges and drive innovation in the ever-evolving technological landscape.
As Shalin prepares to embark on the next chapter of his journey, he offers sage advice to fellow students: “Prioritise self-care, embrace the inevitability of mistakes as opportunities for growth, and never shy away from breaking barriers in pursuit of knowledge.”
Pictured: Shalin Kumaran Moodley.
Photographer: Mnqobi Ngobese.
Phumeza Msongelwa
