Never Too Late to Finish Your Studies - Cum Laude Graduate

BY: .

Going back to university after dropping out because of financial constraints proved to be a wise decision for Ms Ashton Sharkey who graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA).

Sharkey started a BCom degree at UKZN in 2008 but had to drop out the following year and began working.

In 2014 a close friend encouraged her to resume her studies and, with her financial situation much improved, she registered for her BBA degree at UKZN but did not give up her day job.

‘I always felt I needed to complete my studies and am very grateful for the “second chance”. I am really happy I made the decision to return.

‘Nothing in life is easy but with the right mind set, you can achieve almost anything,’ said Ashton.

She thanked her parents for their support and motivation throughout her studies. She also acknowledged her colleagues who have become her second family.

‘My loving fiancé constantly encouraged me to do my best and never let me give up, even when the stress of it all was so overwhelming. I also had the pleasure of completing my degree with my best friend, Kim Hutchinson, which was great for the both of us as we relied on each other for almost everything.’

Sharkey said highlights during her studies included forming great relationships with fellow students and lecturers.  Managing her time efficiently had been one of the major challenges.

‘Holding down a full time job, made it a challenge to find a balance, but through perseverance and good organisational skills I managed,’ she said.

Sharkey hopes to complete her Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing and Supply Chain Management and get into a career in that field.

She is currently employed in the Accounts Department at Dr Jones, Bhagwan & Partners.

Sithembile Shabangu