Meet the UJ top achieving student: Charity Chisoro
AUCKLAND PARK – What does it take for an ordinary student to pass with distinctions in tests, assignments, and exams – and graduate with a cum laude?
From first year to third year, University of Johannesburg student Charity Chisoro was the top student within the Faculty of Humanities, and overall achieving student at UJ at the end of 2014.
“Although I was not aware that I could pass that well at university level, I worked very hard because I did not want to disappoint myself and my father. I told myself that this was the opportunity I had been longing for and I could not waste it,” she said.
An ordinary 30-year-old Zimbabwean international, who could not further her studies due to lack of funds after completing her matric in 2002, Chisoro seized an opportunity to study at UJ when her father became a lecturer at the university in 2012.
Since then, the inspirational Chisoro never looked back. She is now studying toward an honours degree in development studies at UJ.
Growing up, she was a bright learner who lived with both parents and siblings.
For nine years, she was unable to study further because her parents could not pay for her tertiary education. Upon completing her matric, she worked as a temporary teacher and later worked for a local Zimbabwean bank to make a living. Four years ago, inspired by her younger brother (who also was a top achiever at the university), Chisoro applied to study development studies.
As UJ provides educational assistance to its employees, Chisoro’s father, who was working as a lecturer at the University, could then fund her daughter’s study fees.
“To my surprise, there were people at UJ that noticed my hard work and I was awarded merit bursaries. I was also surprised when I was invited to the Top Achievers’ function. It was humbling and awesome.”
The bright hopeful, who is passionate about working with people, says she wishes to complete her master’s and post-doctoral degrees before she works full-time in the near future.
Her advice for first year students in tertiary institutions:
“You have made it to university – that means you have the potential to be a successful individual. Live a balanced life and do not underestimate yourselves.”
