Can you share a bit about your academic journey to this point and how it feels to be/how it felt to be recognised as a Global Undergraduate Award winner?

I’d like to start off by saying I can’t thank God enough for my GUA experience. It has been about 5 years since being recognized as a Global Undergraduate Award Winner and the journey since then has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride. I had no idea that the moment I got the email from the Undergraduate Awards recognizing me as a Regional Winner and inviting me to their annual Summit would be such a defining moment in my journey of pursuing not only a meaningful and purposeful career but life. The GUA provided me with the much-needed confidence boost needed to pursue a career in the film space and recognize the underlying potential within me. At the time I was honestly just trying to complete a degree in a discipline I knew was close to my heart. Still, I doubted whether I could be an impactful force in my field. However, with a newfound confidence after my award, I went on to work in the writing rooms of two television shows, teach other students within the media space, develop my own writing and other projects, and even mustered up the courage to start my own company.

For me, the GUA was a catalyst for realizing and unlocking my unseen potential, something I believe we all need as people trying to find our place in this little rock we call Earth.

Reflecting on your time in academia, what were some of the most significant challenges you faced, and how did they contribute to your personal and academic growth?

I would say one of my biggest challenges in academia was firstly dropping out of my initial BCom Law course and then taking longer than the given 3 years to complete my degree. The first thing I learned from that is that procrastination is not your friend! Aside from that, and my many other shortcomings, I also learned (and I’m definitely still learning) the value of patience and walking your own journey. I believe I’ve grown since then and try not to repeat the same mistakes, however, I have come to appreciate the turmoil and struggles of my path as having better prepared me for the road ahead. This applies to my academic journey, professionally, and generally as a person. So, my advice to anyone willing to listen would be; that some things take time but nothing is wasted. So, just keep on trying and you’ll be amazed at the person and experiences you encounter on the other end.

Beyond your individual success, how do you envision your academic achievements contributing to your community or the broader world?

Going to the GUA Summit was a truly enlightening experience for me as I had the privilege of encountering and interacting with students of various disciplines and backgrounds. We learned about, from, and with each other about not just our various personal and social backgrounds, but our fields of interests and how they were delicately intertwined. This experience has stuck with me to this day, having forged a better knowledge base of the collaborative and multidisciplined nature of seemingly disparate industries and disciplines. Thinking from a film industry perspective, I now know the value of understanding things like legislature or politics of other countries for co-productions which allow local production companies to benefit from any incentives provided the country it is in a coprduction treaty with. This could also be applied to having insight into the technology space as the film industry is a technology-based arena. Such considerations in my field have helped me to understand that, long story short, it is all connected, and so are we. As we find ourselves in the contemporary global village, I can’t help but think there is more connecting us than there is dividing us. The most beautiful thing about this connection is that it takes nothing away from our uniqueness or diversity, but rather, brings it all into a transformative symphony with each subtle sound adding to the enchantment of the whole. This is one of the fundamental bases I have tried to incorporate into my field as a storyteller. I believe the same applies across the board from schools, institutions, nations, and any other spaces occupied by human beings in community.

Can you share the role mentors or advisors played in your academic journey? Any specific advice that profoundly influenced you?

I have been blessed to have had many advisors and mentors in my academic journey, many of which probably aren’t even aware they had occupied that role, but one in particular stands out; Professor Janina Wozniak, my NMU - Nelson Mandela University African Film lecturer and GUA Supervisor. Even before my GUA recognition, she always took the time and effort to encourage me to do better and acknowledge my potential. To this day her words ring clearly in my head and I have tried to apply that same encouragement to not only my students but my family and other various communities that make up what I call home. I also couldn’t have asked God for better mentors and advisors than my parents who have led by example in their hard work and loving hearts. I can also mention my siblings, the rest of my family, acquaintances, and friends. In my experience, everyone can teach you something, you just have to pay attention. Trust me, it’s there.

Looking ahead, what are your aspirations and goals, both academically and personally, and how do you/are you plan/ing to continue making a positive impact?

As aforementioned, I honestly believe that storytelling (be it in film, music, academia, or whatever other medium) plays a pivotal role in sparking positivity in our societies. Words have the power to break down, destroy, and overthrow, as well as bring hope, build, and plant. With this understanding, I hope to use my writing and presence in the media space as a force for change in the world. Whether it's the lyrics of your favorite song, a news report on anti-war protests, or caring advice from a loved one, words and stories have the power to spark light in even the darkest of places.

For students aspiring to achieve academic excellence, what advice do you have based on your own experiences?

If I could give any advice for fellow students it probably wouldn’t be anything different from what you’ve heard before, but true nonetheless. And that is; don’t give up! There is a light at the end of the tunnel, and just as energy cannot be destroyed, neither are any of the efforts you take towards your goals wasted. Just keep at it and trust the process, the hurdles and struggles along the way are only meant to help prepare you for the destination.

Is there anything else you'd like to share – perhaps a piece of wisdom or a lesson you've learned during your academic journey?

I repeat, never give up. There is something at the other end of each struggle and no effort is ever wasted.