Summa Cum Laude Graduates Empowered for Success

BY: .

The academically talented Ms Justine Lindsay, Mr Benjamin Meadows, Mr Joshua Chipangila and Mr Yusuf Vawda celebrated graduating with Bachelor of Commerce degrees summa cum laude from the College of Law and Management Studies in Pietermaritzburg.

For the group, the qualification is their first step towards successful careers. Lindsay and Vawda plan on pursuing careers in Chartered Accountancy; and Meadows who is currently studying Law, plans on becoming an Attorney.

For Lindsay, losing her mother to cancer during the second year of her studies was a heavy blow. She dedicated her degree to her mother whose struggle against cancer inspired her (Justine) to overcome life’s challenges and persevere against all odds.

‘The day my mom passed away after a six-year fight with cancer was the day I lost my heroine,’ said Lindsay. ‘She had always been my main source of motivation and strength, especially with regards to my studies. My mom was extremely proud of my achievements, she knew that I aimed to achieve summa cum laude. Although she was not here to see me graduate, I know that she has been with me every step of the way.’

Lindsay’s plans for 2015 include completing her BCom Honours Accounting degree and a Certificate of Theory in Accounting as the next step towards her dream of becoming a chartered accountant. Then in 2016 she intends to write the SAICA ITC board exam and become a trainee accountant.

Vawda said graduating summa cum laude was a reward for his hard work.

‘A summa cum laude pass was not on my mind seeing that I was studying towards an Accounting degree which is notorious for its difficult exams. This achievement is something that will assist me as I progress in my professional career. I don't only attribute this achievement to myself but to God and my parents and teachers who over the years assisted me in numerous ways throughout my undergraduate career,’ said Vawda.

Meadows said the achievement had steered him to a new academic path as he was currently studying towards an LLB in the hope of becoming an attorney with a commercial background.

‘My BCom degree will give me a good grounding and perspective for Law. We all interact with companies and the commercial world on a daily basis. Therefore, obtaining some level of insight into what goes on behind the scenes was a fascinating experience.

‘That experience was enhanced by the knowledge, enthusiasm and dedication of the lecturers as well as my most memorable moment of representing UKZN Athletics at the 2014 USSA competition. It was great to be a part of the spirit and camaraderie of a university sports team – it isn’t all about the academics,’ said Meadows.

Thandiwe Jumo