“Graduating Cum Laude was not the end but a beginning of great things to come,” those were the words of the hard-working Chariska Palthas who graduated Cum Laude and obtained the prestigious Dean’s Merit Award for academic excellence at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) 2024 Autumn Graduation ceremony. This momentous occasion took place at the Olive Convention Centre on Saturday, 25 May 2024.
Sharing her excitement, Palthas (21) from Malvern, Queensburgh believed securing a Cum Laude pass and a Dean’s Merit Award for academic excellence stood as a testament to the fruits of her labour, a tangible validation of her relentless efforts.
“The profound sense of pride and elation that accompanied this achievement was truly overwhelming. Every ounce of hard work and unwavering dedication invested in my studies culminated in the realisation of these accolades. This accomplishment was not merely a fleeting moment of satisfaction; it was a source of enduring pride, resonating both in the present and in the promise of future endeavours,” shared Palthas.
Her academic voyage began at DUT in 2021 and over the course of three years, she had diligently pursued a Diploma in Catering Management. With perseverance and dedication, she had achieved a commendable Cum Laude pass and being honoured with the Dean’s Merit Award. From the outset, she had established ambitious objectives for her academic journey, driven by a profound passion for her field of study.
Commenting on the DUT values she identified with, Palthas said: “The DUT values I identified with were integrity, respect, and accountability. As a student upholding integrity meant honesty within the classroom as well as personally. These truthful interactions allowed for the second value, respect, which encompassed listening attentively, valuing others’ opinions, and engaging in constructive dialogues. And finally, accountability involved meeting deadlines, fulfilling academic obligations, and actively participating in my education. Embodying integrity, respect, and accountability as values helped me excel academically and also contributed to my overall growth as a responsible and ethical individual.”
In addition, Palthas indicated that these values formed the foundation for a fulfilling and successful university experience, shaping not only her academic achievements but also her character and future endeavours.
Navigating her career trajectory presented its share of challenges. Undertaking her in-service training at the Grand Hyatt Hotel and Villas in Doha, Qatar, proved to be a rigorous experience for Palthas. Being separated from her family, she encountered the demanding task of cultivating independence while shouldering the responsibilities inherent to the culinary profession. However, through her unwavering perseverance and a steadfast dedication to her craft, she completed the six-month training period. Looking ahead, Palthas is eager to build upon this foundation and to continue advancing along her culinary journey with renewed vigour and passion.
“The three years spent at DUT were greatly enriched by the unwavering support of my family. Their consistent encouragement and assistance transformed my academic journey into a deeply fulfilling experience. Whether providing emotional support or motivating me to strive for excellence, their presence was instrumental in my success. Moreover, their belief in my potential empowered me to achieve academic milestones, including the gratifying news of obtaining a cum laude pass. This achievement stands as a testament not only to my dedication but also to the invaluable support of my family, whose unwavering belief in me continues to inspire my aspirations for the future,” added Palthas
Her daily motivation comes from a quote by Wolfgang Puck which says: “Cooking is like painting or writing a song. Just as there are only so many notes or colours, there are only so many flavours- it is how you combine them that sets you apart.”
Pictured: Top achiever, Chariska Palthas.
Photographer: Mnqobi Ngobese.
Simangele Zuma
