Entering university life for 21-year-old Tashmira Sadapal from Merebank, was during COVID-19.

For Sadapal, the long-awaited university expedition began with isolated online classes which initially dampened her spirits, but she nevertheless forged through and was now a Durban University of Technology (DUT) Faculty of Management Sciences graduate.

She had completed her Diploma in Human Resources Management with a Cum Laude award. Sadapal was conferred her Diploma at the DUT 2024 Autumn Graduation ceremony at the Olive Convention Centre, Durban on Saturday, 25 May 2024.

“I may have not started with what I had thought to be a vibrant campus life, but the guidance, support, and strong leadership of my lecturers helped ease the adjustment. I first experienced campus life in the second semester of my second year. It was an exhilarating experience pertaining to meeting new people with whom I formed great friendships with,” she said.

Even though Sadapal had faced challenges along the way, completing her Diploma remained a priority.  “I believe that the work done by people in the field of human resources is extremely impactful since Human Resources plays a big role in establishing an organisation’s culture and driving organisational success,” she said.

According to Sadapal, she had always wanted to be more social and outgoing hence a career in Human Resources was the best route to take. “It had always been a personal goal of mine to be more interactive and outgoing and I wanted to be in a career where I was interacting with people regularly and a career in Human Resources will help me to fulfil that goal,” she added.

Sadapal, who is enrolled for her Advanced Diploma in Human Resources Management qualification this year, said it remained crucial to her that she measured her success in terms of what she had learnt, what skills she had acquired, and how much she had improved rather than evaluating her success based on how quickly she climbed up the corporate ladder.

Her message to first-year students who wish to pursue the same career path is to focus on research. “I would encourage the first-year students to be curious and keep learning by taking advantage of chances to explore and push yourself intellectually, as well as to take care of yourself. Prioritise self-care and well-being because academic expectations can be tough at times,” advised Sadapal.

She also encouraged individuals to remember that their first year at university is a time of change and adjustment. “Be patient with yourself, persevere in the face of adversity, and celebrate your accomplishments. Most importantly, embrace the journey and make the most out of your experience at university,” concluded Sadapal.

Pictured: Tashmira Sadapal

Zandile Mahlobo