“Upon hearing of my achievements, I must admit that I was speechless, I just cried, tears of joy of course. However, it goes to show that you can do anything you put your mind to, as long as your mind and heart work in unity. I am motivated to work harder and achieve greater things, because this field, Architecture, has become my hobby, not just something that I’m forced to do,” said Lenisha Reddy.

The 21-year-old building design fundi from Stanger could not contain her immense excitement upon graduating with her National Diploma in Architectural Technology, also obtaining cum laude and the Dean’s Merit Award from DUT in Durban on 08 May 2018.

Her journey she had embarked on to get to her point of completion was definitely not a walk in the park. It required hard work, dedication and time management. She added that one needed to be persistent, but also have a balance between work and play. “Treat yourself, to a walk on the beach, or a cup of tea, this has become the elixir of my life,” she said.

Coming from humble beginnings, on a farm in Groutville, prompted Reddy to learn more about the built environment and proper infrastructural services. Moving into an urban space from a rural area basically maneuvered her into understanding and learning both lifestyles.

“My family, friends and definitely my lecturers, have helped me in my journey of success. They have been my support system throughout, and have never given me reason to doubt the position that they all hold in my life. At times, it did become a bit strenuous with having to juggle between family and my studies. They were very understanding when it came to me having submissions that were due. I always made time for them. Even if it meant them going to site with me for an assignment, or buying materials for model making, I made certain that they were a part of my personal and academic life,” she said.

Reddy added that the challenges she had faced in her journey was not by external forces. It was definitely only mind over matter. She stressed that she knew that her fees would be accommodated for had she worked hard enough, and that became her personal challenge. “It was the challenge for me against myself. I needed myself to believe in me and my capabilities, and I proved to myself and unlocked a character within me, that I didn’t know existed,” she said.
Currently, Reddy is doing her BTech in Architectural Technology and hopes to continue her path of studies in this field.

Pictured: Lenisha Reddy

Waheeda Peters