Strive for your dreams: The beginning of a great journey

Dr Pauline Machika welcoming students

Qhawekazi Memani

“Dreams can become a reality if one works hard”, these are the words of wisdom shared by Dr Pauline Machika; Executive Director: Centre for Academic Development, as she welcomed the 2018 Vaal University of Technology (VUT) first year students at the VUT Isak Steyl stadium on Monday, 22 January.

Dr Machika holds a Masters in Science qualification from the Oxford university amongst her other qualifications. In her welcome address she shared some of her experiences growing up in a small town. One involving her grade nine teacher that told her mom that she will never go to university.

With so many things happening in this generation and personal issues we each face. Some of the students may share the same experiences as Dr Machika. She shared that she persevered by grace and continued working on her dream every day, irrespective of what was said to her mom.

She furthermore advised the students not to get trapped in situations or other people’s opinions and encouraged the students to finish what they are starting by the age of 30 with a PhD. “People can define you but can’t make you. It’s only how much you allow yourself to grow that will help you to enjoy the life that you want,” she said.

Representatives from different university structures and departments such as the Student Support Services (SSS), the university clinic, International Office, HIV unit, E-learning, Corporate Affairs and the Judicial office addressed the students and informed them about the services they render and above all availed themselves to assist the students with their needs on campus.

The representatives highlighted that VUT is a home away from home for the students. It has a big brother system, everything is at the tip of their fingers. They encouraged the students to fully utilize the information and contact numbers they are provided with on campus.