From Surf to Academic Turf
Leaving the coastal haven of Durban for the vibrant, urban pulse of Johannesburg has been a whirlwind journey for Rene Govender, our first bursary student.
Studying at the University of Johannesburg, Rene quickly realized that moving from the sunny shores to the beachless buzz of the big city was more than just a physical shift — it was an adventure into the unknown. Everything from the food, the culture, the people, and even the weather seemed to shift the horizon wider, offering a new perspective. Yet, as much as Rene embraced this change, it’s not so much the city of Durban she missed — it’s the heart of home: family.
Rene’s story is one of deep bonds and heartfelt inspiration. Raised by her mother alongside her sister, Rene’s journey is a testament to the unwavering strength of a single parent.
“My mom is more than just my parent. She’s my best friend, my biggest cheerleader, and my closest confidant.”
The academic journey can often feel lonely, especially when it demands intense focus and perseverance. And it's during these moments of challenge that the warmth and support of family—especially the love, faith, and home-cooked meals—are missed the most.
For many of us, our childhood dreams are a canvas painted with possibilities — doctors, firefighters, artists, and teachers. But for Rene, her path to becoming an actuary didn’t come into focus until much later, in her Grade 11 year.
“To be honest, I hadn’t even heard of Actuarial Science until then,” she admits with a smile. At that time, the career still felt like an enigma, wrapped in mystery. No one around her could quite explain what an actuary did, but there was one thing everyone agreed on: “It’s mathematically challenging, statistically heavy, and… demanding!”
And that’s exactly what drew Rene in.
The idea of a career that promised endless challenges and the chance to never be bored sparked her curiosity. Having thrived in mathematics and physics, Rene was eager to pursue a path that would keep her engaged, constantly learning, and always pushing boundaries. The discovery of Actuarial Science felt like the perfect fit—a field that demanded dedication, intellect, and a thirst for knowledge.
“I knew that this was my calling. I wanted a degree that would challenge me, keep me busy, and help me grow.”
She applied for Actuarial Science with determination, ready to dive into an academic journey that promised excitement, growth, and an uncharted future.
Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll talk with Rene about the progress of her actuarial adventure!
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