Graduate Overcomes Learning Difficulties

BY: .

Mr Philani Cebekhulu battles with learning difficulties making university subjects such as mathematics even more taxing.  

 Diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder and Bipolar 2 Disorder, Cebekhulu’s main struggles relate to taking knowledge out of lectures …not just notes. He finds it extremely difficult to concentrate for long enough while concepts and calculations are explained in class, as he is distracted easily by sudden or repetitive sounds.

 But his persistence paid off and he proudly graduated with a BSc degree, majoring in Mathematics and Applied Mathematics at a College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science graduation ceremony held in Pietermaritzburg.

 Cebekhulu enjoys the challenge mathematics offers of applying logic and reason.  He says the constant calculation and application of knowledge assisted him to overcome some of his learning problems.

 A logical approach in solving problems has now become a way of life for him.

 ‘Tertiary study is no easy playing field and one often has to dig deep for inner strength to make it to the next level,’ he said. ‘I love the fact that I now have a degree.  The mixture of highs and many more lows that I experienced along the way makes me appreciate the character I have become in the process.’

 Cebekhulu is currently pursuing a BSc (Hon) degree in Pure Mathematics and hopes to continue in the field of academia in the future. ‘I believe in knowledgeable and independently thinking minds and that society can only be better off with more of such individuals.’

Swasti Maney