It took discipline and sacrifice for Thalia Nair to achieve her academic goals. She will be graduating with Cum Laude and a Dean’s Merit Award for her Bachelor of Technology Degree in Industrial Engineering at the Durban University of Technology’s (DUT’s) Virtual Autumn Graduation 2021 ceremony tomorrow, Thursday, 27 May at 12:00 midday. 

Nair (23) who is currently employed as a Production Control and Logistics graduate at Faurecia   said it was her goal to achieve a Cum Laude pass therefore she dedicated all her time as a student to her studies. However, she added that she did not expect to obtain the prestigious Dean’s Merit Award. 

“I was overwhelmed and ecstatic to find out about this huge achievement. It proves that hard work and determination pays off. I am proud of myself, it took discipline and sacrifice to achieve my goals and it was definitely worth it. I am an ambitious, motivated and a determined individual. I have been described by my teachers as a student with unrivalled resolve and commendable work ethic who strives for performance excellence,” said Nair. 

Her most traumatic experience during her journey at DUT, was during her first year of study in 2018 when her father passed on but with counselling and guidance she managed to deal with the grief of losing a loved one. She said she also faced financial challenges, however she was fortunate enough to receive a bursary. 

Her academic goal includes studying further towards a postgraduate qualification (Honours and Master’s in Industrial Engineering).  

She has emphasized that she will not let the COVID-19 pandemic take away her excitement of graduating for the first time, therefore she is looking forward to the virtual graduation. 

Explaining where her love for engineering came from, Nair said it started after attending a programme by a Non-Profit Organisation called Protec, which was held to guide disadvantaged learners that have the potential and the right attitude to excel in the field of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education. 

“They led to my exposure to bridge building and steam car competitions and that is when my passion for engineering began. Industrial Engineering (IE) unlike other fields of engineering focuses on human factors, studying the relationship between people and machines and designing or restructuring a safer and more productive workplace. IE is quite a diverse and flexible career path as industrial engineering roles are available in different departments and the technical and industrial aspect allows Industrial Engineers to work in many different fields,” she said. 

She plans to build her engineering knowledge by gaining experience and new skills as she is still new in the working world. 

To students who want to study in the same field as Nair, she advised that they need to be proactive, work hard and never give up on their dreams. 

“Find the best study techniques that works for you early in your academic career. Make use of all your available resources such as tutors, writing centres and past papers and try to and have a positive attitude and most importantly believe in yourself. My parents were my biggest motivation factor, the continuous support that I received from my mother throughout my academic career and the advice that my father had imparted on me. My brilliant lecturers also played a part in my success as their guidance helped me to realise my true potential. I had to sacrifice weekends and socialising with friends to study, and it paid off,” she said. 

Nair agreed that even though she was looking forward to the actual celebratory occasion but the virtual graduation is the safest option at this point in time. She said her mother was excited and very proud of her when she heard about her achievement, even though it did not come as a surprise as she has always been an over achiever. 

Pictured: Thalia Nair 

Simangele Zuma