
Top Achiever Beats COVID-19 to Graduate with a Cum Laude Law Degree
When Bachelor of Laws (LLB) cum laude graduate Ms Dharini Rangasamy started her studies she did not imagine she would conclude them during a global pandemic or that she and her family would contract the virus.
‘My family and I got COVID-19 last year and then I unfortunately got Long COVID for most of the last semester of my degree,’ said Rangasamy.
‘There were many times where I would feel completely debilitated. I am really proud of myself for my hard work and resilience throughout my degree but particularly during my long illness.’
The top achiever got seven distinctions in matric and while at UKZN was awarded four Dean’s Commendations, six Certificates of Merit as well as the 2020 College of Law and Management Studies Deputy Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship Award.
She says graduating cum laude ‘is the icing on the cake.’
‘I was initially studying for a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree but during my first-year I realised that I was passionate about Law and transferred the following year - it was one of the best decisions of my life,’ said Rangasamy.
While completing the last few semesters of her degree against the backdrop of the pandemic had not been easy, Rangasamy is grateful to have had family support throughout her academic journey.
‘My family are incredibly proud of me and thrilled that I have graduated cum laude. My parents have made so many sacrifices to give me the best life and I am happy to be making them proud,’ she said. ‘I am grateful for the love and support of my parents, my partner, my brother, my grandmother and my wonderful extended family. I hope to have a successful career in the legal fraternity and am sure that my LLB degree from UKZN will be a huge plus factor for me.’
Words: Thandiwe Jumo
Photograph: Supplied