Despite commuting approximately 80 kilometres daily between home (Stanger) and campus (Durban), Renae Naicker was determined to achieve her dream of obtaining a National Diploma in Civil Engineering from the Durban University of Technology (DUT).
“The main challenge for me was residing approximately 80 kilometres away from DUT. I had to travel by bus everyday, this resulted in long hours on the road. I used to leave home before 6am and should only get back home around 7pm in most days. This was mentally and physically exhausting and left me with very little time to study during the week. However, I did not let this affect my studies and I sacrificed every weekend to study,” said Naicker who graduated with Cum Laude and Deans Merit Award for a National Diploma in Civil Engineering today, 07 May 2018 at Fred Crookes Sport Centre, Steve Biko Campus in Durban.
Naicker who matriculated at Stanger Manor Secondary School said she always knew that she was destined for a career as an engineer because she has always been fond of drawing and designing. “Drawing and designing have always been a passion of mine since childhood. I was in two minds about Architecture and Civil Engineering but later on I decided to pursue Civil Engineering,” she said.
Naicker said she is proud of her achievement but believes that this is just the beginning of her ambitious career path, she also encouraged other students to work hard on their studies in order to achieve outstanding results.
“If you are going through a rough phase in life, then use it as motivation to turn your life around and to make your life better. Remember that life never stays the same, it is up to you what you make of it. Just work hard and the rest will eventually fall into place,” added Naicker.
The 21 year-old Naicker said studying at DUT has shaped her as a person and she created many fond memories during her time as a student at DUT. “The moment that stood out the most was project week. This was a very stressful encounter as it was new to me. There was a lot of work to get done in a given time frame. It also forced me to work with different people, this did not only help me to grow but it also prepared me for work in the industry. The sense of accomplishment when all the projects were handed in also made it a great experience,” she said.
The determined Naicker believes that sky is the limit as she intends to further her studies. “I am currently working for PERI Formwork Scaffolding Engineering as a Design Draftsman, and I have already started studying towards my BTech in Civil Engineering specializing in the structures field. I would also like to attain my MTech and my PRTech at a later stage,” said Naicker.
Pictured: Renae Naicker
Nduduzo Ndlovu
