Recipient of 50th Anniversary Scholarship Honoured by Award

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Ms Brianna Christopher, currently doing a Bachelor of Arts in Classical Civilisations and History, has received UKZN’s 50th Anniversary Scholarship.

The scholarship is awarded annually on merit to a senior undergraduate student.

Christopher says she is honoured to receive the award which she regards as a testament to the University’s commitment to and investment in its students.

She aims to become a lecturer and researcher. ‘I enjoy meeting different types of people and love learning and sharing knowledge in engaging and entertaining ways,’ she said.

Christopher thanked her parents for allowing her to pursue an unconventional degree, saying it is important to take responsibility for your choices and she feels she has shown and done that.

One of her biggest challenges after COVID-19 was adapting back to in-person learning, confiding that she really enjoyed the late mornings in bed that virtual tuition sometimes allowed her!

‘Other challenges included difficult personal circumstances, the floods, moving home, and deaths in the family as well as study stress and anxiety,’ she said.

Her advice for overcoming issues was for a person to be less hard on themselves. ‘You can’t carry the weight of the world alone. Student Support Services offer counselling - they are there to help you in times of need. Life has its challenges, and reaching out for help can be terrifying but things usually always get better,’ added Christopher.

Words: Sinoyolo Mahlasela

Photograph: Supplied