‘I am proud of myself because of the hard work and dedication I put into my studies,’ said Miss Karishma Naidoo who was awarded her degree summa cum laude and was named Best Overall B Med Science (Physiology) student in the School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences.
Naidoo is currently pursuing a B Med Science Honours degree at UKZN. Growing up, she dreamed of pursuing a degree in Medicine for which she was accepted. However, due to a lack of funding, she opted for Medical Sciences.
Naidoo hails from Tongaat to the north of Durban and matriculated from Belverton Secondary School. She says her family is her source of inspiration. Her mom Sharmaine taught her to be a strong woman and her dad, Don inspires her to be the best she can be. ‘I had to wake up as early as 4h00 every day and would only get home after 19h00. This was very challenging but personal sacrifices had to be made to succeed and secure funding in the form of scholarships and bursaries.’
Her hard work paid off when she received an undergraduate scholarship for her second and third-years of study. She obtained the Emma Smith bursary in third-year and received a College award for the Top student in Environmental Biotechnology. Naidoo was also invited to join the prestigious Golden Key International Society after having obtained 13 certificates of merit and five Dean’s commendations.
‘My time at UKZN is really exciting – the lecturers are friendly and I really enjoy the Westville campus student environment,’ said Naidoo who enjoys gardening and playing with her beloved dog Medusa.
Words: Lihle Sosibo
Photograph: Supplied
