A Dream in Progress: Help Me Make It a Reality

I’ve been given an incredible opportunity—an acceptance to study Mechanical Engineering at the University of Johannesburg. But, for all the excitement I feel about the future, the reality of how I’m going to pay for it weighs heavily on me. Despite having lived in South Africa for the majority of my life, I do not have permanent residency or citizenship leaving me ineligible for several bursaries and scholarships, despite having earned grades that meet the criteria.

For the past two years, I have fought to raise the necessary funds to attend university. It has been an uphill battle to raise the funds and find any financial support . The weight of trying to afford school fees has often left me battling emotional challenges that, at times, felt like they would break me. However, I refuse to give up on my education.

Now, standing on the cusp of this incredible opportunity, it feels like an absolute gut-punch to be so close—only to be faced with the possibility of my dreams slipping away yet again. I’ve already faced delays. I’ve already fought hard to get here. But the fi...