Students are the future of tomorrow. In the intricate tapestry of education, some threads are woven with challenges that seem insurmountable. Yet, it is often through adversity that individuals discover their true strength and resilience. This article is a celebration of triumph over obstacles, a testament to the power of determination in the face of educational challenges. Join us on a journey through inspiring stories of individuals who turned adversity into achievement, proving that the human spirit can overcome even the most formidable educational barriers.
Student rising from the ashes.
Dawn Loggins
In 2012, Dawn Loggins defied the conventional narrative of a senior year. While her peers were navigating the maze of college applications or enjoying some well-deserved downtime, Dawn embarked on a different journey. Forget the luxury of a leisurely morning routine – she was up at the crack of dawn, arriving at school before her classmates to tackle a before-school shift as a janitor.
Before the hallways echoed with the chatter of students, Dawn was elbow-deep in soap suds, diligently scrubbing floors and sanitizing the very desks she would later occupy as a student. Her school day unfolded with AP and honor classes, totaling seven hours of academic rigor. But there was no after-school respite for Dawn; instead, she clocked back in for another two-hour stint of janitorial duty.
As the night descended, it wasn’t the cozy embrace of an after-school snack or downtime that awaited Dawn, but a rendezvous with homework until the wee hours of 2 AM. And just like clockwork, she would rise early to repeat the cycle.
In her own words, Dawn explained to CNN, “I don’t mind cleaning. If you have to wade through trash to get to your desk, you’re not going to have an environment that encourages learning.”
The true extent of Dawn’s struggle came to light when, one day, she asked her boss for candles – a poignant request driven by the absence of electricity in her home. Without running water either, Dawn described how her family collected water from a nearby park to meet basic needs.
More astonishing yet was the discovery that, during summer school, Dawn tried calling home only to find the phones disconnected – her parents had moved away without a trace. The neglect she endured came to the attention of school officials, who, instead of turning her over to the state, rallied around her. The community stepped in, providing Dawn with housing, food, and clothing, and assisting her in applying for college.
Her history teacher penned a recommendation letter that didn’t boast of academic achievements but narrated a remarkable story of rising above drug abuse, extreme neglect, poverty, and homelessness. The efforts bore fruit: Dawn Loggins not only defied her circumstances but transcended them, earning acceptance into Harvard University.
Fast forward to today, and Dawn, as per her LinkedIn profile, is continuing her academic journey at Harvard. Beyond her studies, she has become a motivational speaker, using her voice to address issues ranging from education and homelessness to women and youth empowerment. Dawn Loggins is not just a story of overcoming; she’s a testament to the indomitable spirit that can emerge from the darkest corners of adversity.
Determination regardless of Passage of Time
Alfonso Gonzales
In the grand tapestry of academic achievement, Alfonso Gonzales wove a story that defied time itself. At the age of 96, he wheeled, not walked, across the college graduation stage, a moment that resonated with extraordinary triumph. The applause and standing ovation from the crowd echoed not just the completion of a degree but the culmination of a six-decade journey.
Alfonso’s academic odyssey began in 1947 as a zoology student, but life’s demands steered him away from his graduation dreams. Amidst working with his brothers, the opportunity for a traditional graduation slipped away. Years later, an attempt by his niece to collect his diploma unveiled a surprising revelation – he was one credit shy of completion. The school, in an unprecedented move, crafted a one-credit course, bridging the gap for Gonzales to achieve his dream.
On the commencement stage, Gonzales declared, “I did this for my family. I did this to inspire them.” A World War II veteran, he etched his name in history, earning his college degree from USC in 2016 and securing the title of the school’s oldest graduate. As the applause and cheers enveloped him, Gonzales, with a smile that lit up the room, raised his hand in victory, embodying the spirit of tenacity and the timeless pursuit of educational dreams. For those contemplating a matric rewrite, Alfonso’s six-decade odyssey is a testament to the enduring spirit of learning. Life may bring unexpected challenges, but Gonzales’s resilience in the face of setbacks is a beacon of hope. His decision to return to education later in life and overcome obstacles is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to pursue one’s academic aspirations.
So, to anyone contemplating a matric rewrite, let Alfonso Gonzales’ journey be a source of encouragement. Your educational journey is unique, and the path may take unexpected turns, but the destination is worth the effort. The opportunity to rewrite your matric is not just about academic success; it’s a testament to your resilience, determination, and the belief that education is a lifelong pursuit. Embrace the challenge, draw inspiration from stories like Alfonso’s, and embark on your own path to educational triumph.
The Courageous Learner
Malala Yousafzai
Malala Yousafzai’s story is an awe-inspiring saga of resilience and determination. At just eleven years old, she courageously stood up against the Taliban’s ban on girls’ education in Pakistan’s Swat Valley. Facing threats and danger, Yousafzai, under the pseudonym “Gul Makai,” began blogging for the BBC, sharing her experiences and dreams of attending school. Despite rising tensions that forced her family to leave their home, Yousafzai continued her advocacy for girls’ education.
Tragically, in 2012, the Taliban attempted to silence her by shooting her in the head while she was returning from school. Miraculously surviving the attack, Yousafzai underwent extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. Undeterred, she persisted in her mission to champion education for every girl. In 2014, she became the youngest-ever Nobel Peace Prize laureate for her activism.
Establishing the Malala Fund with her father, Yousafzai expanded her advocacy globally. She met with refugees, addressed the United Nations, and spoke out against groups like Boko Haram hindering girls’ education. Her autobiography, “I Am Malala,” further amplified her message. Currently studying at the University of Oxford, Yousafzai continues her relentless pursuit of quality education for all girls through the Malala Fund. Her journey is a testament to the transformative power of education and unwavering resilience in the face of adversity.
Against all odds
Amanda Dambuza
Amanda Dambuza (BA 1999) is an entrepreneur, founder and CEO of Uyandiswa – a management consulting firm launched in 2013. She is also founder and director of Leadership Development Strategies which offers mentoring, coaching, talent management and team development. She has a history as Chief Information Officer at Barclays Africa, and Financial Services Director of JSE listed Adapt IT. She was a guest speaker at World Economic Forum Cape Town in 2019. She serves on several boards and directorships.
Her book Baked in Pain: Your Traumatic Past May Be Just the Fuel You Need to Soar details the obstacles she had to overcome. She recalls in an interview with Joanne Joseph on Radio 702, about her experience of registering at Wits.
“The only money I had in my pocket was R5 to catch the two-hour train ride back to Orange Farm from Park Station. I remember sitting at the registration counter trying to get the lady just to listen to me. All I was hoping for was some kind of guidance. I didn’t know how to fill in a form or what I was going to study.”
She was turned away because she didn’t have the required R4 000 for registration. But undeterred she returned the next day. “Eventually someone listened and I was sent to the guidance office. It was the best thing. I got to talk to a psychologist.”
From here she confronted the trauma of being abandoned by her parents and hurt by adults entrusted to look after her. “I wanted to prove to myself that I will not amount to nothing.” Dambuza has another book A Brave Girl Named Aya, aimed at a younger audience to introduce difficult conversations around abuse and violence. She is passionate about personal mastery and instilling hope.
Hopefully these stories inspire you to not give up on your dreams, it is not about your age nor where you from the future is bright for all of us. Take a step and register now, discount code for early registration (Moon10).
