I never thought I would really do it, after I had given up. After 8 years of completing my matric with, 2 subjects failed, I decided to go register to write the 2 subjects. I started going to school and attending the classes early this year, in January. It was hectic but I told myself I wanted this and am not giving up now.

In the morning I used to wake up at around 4:30 a.m., study for at least an hour, wake my son up, bath him and get him ready for school, make breakfast and a lunch box for him. My son is six years and in Grade R. He is so bright and smart and I am so proud of him. He is the reason I wake up in the morning, looking forward to the day, to go work hard to provide for him.

As soon as he leaves for school at seven, I go bath quickly and get ready for work. At eight I must be at work. I work until 11h30 and then leave for school. My classes start at 12h00 until 17h00. I walk a distance and only get home at around 18h00. When I get home I check my son’s books and see if he has homework or some activity that he might need help with. I cook and after cooking I must bath my son and do the dishes. Afterwards I go study until midnight. I go to sleep for a few hours, and again, do the same routine.

I remember one day, it was a Saturday and I was studying and didn’t even check what the time was. My mother woke up and saw the light on. She came and asked what time it was.

“I do not know Mama.” I said.

“It’s past two in the morning,” she told me. “You have even dedicated all your bed time for your studies and I am so proud of you.”

I finished writing my exams on the 29th of June and I am waiting for my results with optimism. And even if I have to say it myself; I felt like a super woman and I enjoyed every part of that. All thanks to my parents, my study mate and friend and to my boss for giving me the opportunity to work and go to school. I really can’t thank him enough. I always heard people talking about the fact that dedication pays off, so I also have witnessed that too.

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Tell us: Have you dedicated yourself to something through hardship? Where did you draw your inspiration from?