When Ms Zukiswa Dlamini first arrived at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), she never imagined that she would one day graduate summa cum laude from the University with a Bachelor of Science degree majoring in Computer Science and Statistics.

Dlamini’s original dream had been Medicine, inspired by television dramas, a beloved science teacher and a desire to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives.

“Growing up, I always saw myself in Medicine,” said Dlamini. “Watching the soapie Durban Gen on e.tv, especially the character played by Mbali Mthethwa, made the dream feel real.”

Her late Science teacher further reinforced that dream while encouraging learners to pursue their studies at UKZN, which he described as “Africa’s premier university.”

After matric, Dlamini applied for Medicine at several universities but was not accepted. Although she received Bachelor of Science offers from various institutions, she chose UKZN, still hoping she might later be considered for Medicine. That opportunity never materialised, leaving her uncertain about the degree path she had unexpectedly entered.

“To be honest, starting off was difficult,” she reflected. “It felt like I had been pushed into something unfamiliar, and I was not sure where I fitted in.”

She said there were times when university felt overwhelming. “At some point, I even wished life was like in the movies, where you went to sleep and awoke four years later, degree done, stable job secured, and everything figured out.”

A major turning point came during her first year in the Statistics module STAT130. Initially challenged by the course, Dlamini decided to attend Supplemental Instruction (SI) sessions after being disappointed with her marks.

“Those sessions became a turning point,” she said. “As I began to understand the work better, my marks improved, but more importantly, my mindset changed.”

Through STAT130, Dlamini discovered a passion for statistics and its relevance to everyday life.

“Statistics is not just about numbers, but about understanding information in a meaningful way,” she explained. “Mathematics provides the tools, but statistics gives those numbers context, structure and purpose. It allows us to collect, analyse and interpret data in order to make informed decisions across many areas.”

This shift in perspective transformed her academic journey. “It was no longer just about passing – I had found something I could grow into,” she said.

In her second year, Dlamini officially moved into the Bachelor of Science (M stream), majoring in Computer Science and Statistics. At the same time, she began tutoring STAT130 – the very module that had once challenged her.

“Teaching it deepened my understanding and allowed me to support students who were in the same position I had once been in,” she said.

Her commitment to helping others continued into her final year when she became an SI Leader for STAT130. The experience marked what she described as a “full-circle moment.”

“I had moved from being a student who needed help to someone who could now guide others,” Dlamini said.

Her dedication earned her recognition as the most proactive SI Leader in 2025, reflecting her passion for mentorship and student support.

Academically, Dlamini’s final year represented the culmination of years of perseverance, discipline and growth. Graduating summa cum laude stood as a testament to her sustained excellence throughout her undergraduate studies. Among her proudest achievements was being recognised as one of the top three students in the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science in 2025. She was also one of only three recipients nationwide of the South African Statistical Association (SASA) Honours Bursary Competition.

Despite these achievements, Dlamini said the final stages of her degree were emotionally and mentally demanding.

“During my final exams, I reached a point where I felt completely overwhelmed and drained,” she said.

Although encouraged to continue into honours (which she had always intended to do), the pressure of that period caused her to doubt whether she still had the capacity to go on. A conversation with the Academic Leader for Statistics, Dr Danielle Roberts, ultimately helped her regain perspective.

“That conversation reminded me of how far I had come,” she said. “It did not remove the difficulty, but it gave me clarity to continue.”

Dlamini is currently pursuing an Honours degree in Statistics at UKZN and hopes to continue to master’s level if funding permits.

Outside academia, she enjoys watching television series, singing and participating in TikTok dance challenges as a way of maintaining balance.

Reflecting on her journey, Dlamini thanked the many people and organisations that supported her along the way, including lecturers, her SI co-ordinator, tutors, SI leaders, classmates, family, friends, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme, the MultiChoice Group as well as the UKZN scholarships she received throughout her studies.

“Their support went beyond financial assistance,” she said. “It provided stability during uncertain times and allowed me to focus fully on my academics without financial pressure.”

Most importantly, Dlamini recognised her own resilience and determination.

“I am proud of myself for choosing to keep going when things were difficult; for allowing myself to seek and accept help, and for continuing to show up during moments of doubt and exhaustion,” she said. “Looking back, this journey did not unfold the way I originally imagined. But step by step, it led me from uncertainty, to discovery, to purpose and ultimately to becoming someone I am proud of today.”

Words: Sally Frost

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini