Perseverance pays off for journalism graduate
GRADUATE: Tamryn Christians
Monday, 18 April 2022
She had to overcome several hurdles before graduation, but Tamryn Christians’ perseverance paid off.
She is among the Faculty of Informatics and Design graduates and is celebrating her journalism qualification.
Tamryn, who grew up in Mitchells Plain, said her matric year was particularly hard as her family was evicted from their home.
She ended up living with teachers.
In 2015, she applied to study journalism and was placed on the waiting list.
“I worked at retail stores to help my mom financially during this period. I applied to study journalism again for 2016 and got in.”
She passed her first year of studies but struggled in her second year.
“We were struggling again. For the majority of the time, there was no income. We moved around quite often, but attending church grounded my faith.”
She started an internship at Independent Media.
“The pressure was mounting, and I failed one of my subjects. I returned the following year, and by then, I had secured a contract job at a sister company of Independent Media (African News Agency). The team there did their best to support me on my journey, but the pressure was too much. I dropped out. I felt so defeated. I thought graduating or obtaining any qualification was just not for me.”
However, a year later, she realised she needed to return to her studies.
“A family member offered me a place to live because I was homeless. No place to go. I did my second year in 2020 again and passed.”
Tamryn completed her third year last year.
“A lot has happened these past six years. It took me double the years to graduate, but I did it. I have come a long way; finally, my perseverance has paid off. I want to encourage everyone on the brink of giving up to keep pushing. You may think something is not for you when it doesn't happen when you expected it. But it will happen if it is destined to. Don't become distracted by what everyone else is achieving around you. You have your God-ordained timeline. Focus on yourself and where you need to be. Pray about it, consult with God. “
Tamryn now works as a freelance videographer and photographer and does Public Relations work for a political party.
Written by Ilse Fredericks
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