Despite a devastating childhood which was plagued by multiple counts of sexual abuse and an unstable home environment, Andiswa Lugomo (25) has fought her way to obtaining her first tertiary qualification from Walter Sisulu University (WSU).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lugomo was born in Port St Johns where she and her siblings were abandoned by their mother.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At a very young age, she was sexually abused by several males, leaving her feeling the worst kind of being alone. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In early 2013, she was taken into Mzomtsha Child and Youth Care Centre, a move which changed the course of her life forever; however she fought for survival.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On June 7, 2022, she became one of thousands of WSU students who graduated at the institution\u2019s graduation ceremonies, obtaining her National Diploma in Office Management and Technology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAs I grew older, I moved in and out of relatives\u2019 homes until I was able to live with people who would later become my family. This was when I discovered that my mother had abandoned me with my other siblings. Sad part is, I had no idea that I had siblings,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lugomo enrolled at WSU\u2019s Butterworth Campus in 2018 and began counselling sessions with the university clinic\u2019s student counsellor, where she was received with open arms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Throughout her studies, Lugomo asserts that the therapy unit has been supportive, restoring dignity and value to her life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI am grateful for the help I received from Mzomtsha Child and Youth Care Centre and Walter Sisulu University, despite the hurdles. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDue to all I\u2019ve gone through as a full-time student, it was sometimes difficult to keep up with my academics. WSU, on the other hand, has provided invaluable assistance in the form of tutors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe counselling unit, among other things, made me realise how valuable I am in life and that I will succeed no matter what. As my studies advanced, this became apparent,\u201d she shared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It was these and other reasons that made her opt for Walter Sisulu University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWSU was my top pick because you don\u2019t have to pay a registration fee if you have applied for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme. In 2021, I joined the Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) Programme and became an information administration tutor, which has allowed me to mature and realise my full potential. Among other things, I learned resilience, hard effort, and aiming for achievement. As a result, I was nominated as the best PAL leader for 2021,\u201d Lugomo added with a smile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lugomo is excited to begin her professional life and further her studies now that she has graduated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy dream is to hold a PhD under my belt. I aspire to be an administrative specialist\/associate because I am good at keeping people organised and on track to accomplish the organisation\u2019s goals,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lugomo had this advice for students who are facing difficult situations and are unsure about completing their studies: \u201cA victim mentality won\u2019t get you anywhere. Great things will only happen if you get up and fight for your life. Somebody is already on the lookout, willing and able to help, but you must meet them midway. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTo be an orphan is not a limitation; however, it does mean that you have just yourself to rely on. Don\u2019t let your circumstances define you; instead, let your tomorrow define you,\u201d she advised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2013 ISSUED BY WALTER SISULU <\/p>\n\n\n\n
UNIVERSITY<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Despite a devastating childhood which was plagued by multiple counts of sexual abuse and an unstable home environment, Andiswa Lugomo (25) has fought her way to obtaining her first tertiary qualification from Walter Sisulu University 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