Sharnae Leshaan Thompson is a testament that no matter the hurdle one may encounter in life if one prevails, one will reach one’s destiny. In her final year, Thompsons’ laptop with her research thesis was stolen before the exam submission. Despite such a setback, she persevered and is now reaping the rewards.
She graduated with her Degree of Bachelor of Health Sciences in Nursing Cum Laude on Tuesday, 14 May 2024 at the Durban University of Technology, Indumiso Campus, in Pietermaritzburg.
“The most challenging part in my academic journey was when my laptop was stolen in my final year just before my group and I were supposed to submit our research thesis. We did not give up and continued to work hard and managed to submit a great research thesis,’’ she said.
The 22-year-old, hailing from Kokstad in KwaZulu-Natal claimed that it has always been a dream to become a professional nurse one day and she is immensely proud of herself.
“I am extremely proud of myself for making this a reality and exceptionally grateful for God’s grace and for not only did he allow me to graduate in record time, but he allowed me to graduate Cum Laude. I am extremely proud of myself for accomplishing that,’’ she said.
The joyful Thompson is the first one to graduate in her family. She further testified that her journey was remarkable. “My journey at DUT was quite an experience especially because I am the first person in my family to come to university, so everything was new to me,’’ she added.
She also lauded her family, friends, and DUT lecturers for their immense support
“My family have always been a huge support system through my academic journey and always expressed how proud they were of me,’’ she added.
She intends to obtain her Master’s in the years to come and she has vowed to always honour her profession “I wish to become a specialist trauma sister or advanced midwife and go abroad. I just want to become a great nurse who means every word they say when reciting the nurse’s pledge of service,’’ she explained.
Thompson is currently doing her community service as a professional nurse at Tygerberg Hospital in Cape Town. She further advised first-year students to not let their background limit them. “Never let your background and where you come from make you feel like you are incapable of achieving something, if it is possible for someone else it is possible for you too,’’ she said.
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Pictured: Sharnae Leshaan Thompson
Vukani Langa
