By: Mo Senne (Senior Communications Officer)
The path to academic success is rarely a straight line, and for Athenkosi Mpotulo, it has been a terrain marked by both unexpected peaks and deep, challenging valleys. His story, deeply rooted in the Eastern Cape, serves as a powerful testament to the fact that while trauma can delay your goals, it does not have the power to extinguish them.
Athenkosi’s academic foundation was built in Makhanda, where he attended Ntaba Maria Primary School and Graeme College. These early years laid the groundwork for his transition to Nelson Mandela University, where he earned a qualification before eventually joining the staff at Rhodes University in 2019.
Of this pivotal chapter, Athenkosi recalls, "I found myself in a division where academic growth, corporate excellence, and self-improvement were highly encouraged". Surrounded by motivated colleagues and friends, he felt inspired to continue building on his educational foundation.
In 2020, Athenkosi registered for a new course with high momentum, but the year brought unprecedented global and personal challenges. The COVID-19 lockdown forced a difficult shift to online learning amid unimaginable loss. During this global crisis, Athenkosi faced a profound personal trauma: he was severely attacked and badly injured.
The combination of physical recovery, the pandemic’s toll, and intense personal pressure took a significant psychological toll. He was eventually forced to make a heart-wrenching decision regarding his studies. "I made the difficult decision to deregister—not because I was failing academically, but because I needed to prioritise my mental well-being and survive the crushing psychological weight of that year".
Reclaiming his path required more than just the passage of time; it required disciplined endeavour and internal grit. Athenkosi reflects that, "Reaching the peaceful and focused state of mind I enjoy today was not a given; it was the direct result of my own individual hard work, self-reflection, and a conscious commitment to healing".
When he was finally ready to apply again in 2022, he faced a new hurdle: academic requirements had changed, requiring him to complete an NQF Level 7 course before he could progress to his original degree. "Grounded in my renewed mental clarity, I took that challenge head-on, completed the Level 7 qualification, and cleared the path forward".
Today, Athenkosi serves as the Receptionist within the Division of Communications & Advancement. While his primary role keeps the division running smoothly, he has actively sought to expand his horizons. Having expressed and demonstrated a keen interest in the media, he is currently assisting with media-related queries. This hands-on experience allows him to bridge the gap between his administrative expertise and his burgeoning interest in strategic communications, proving that his drive for self-improvement extends to every facet of his professional life.
Athenkosi now stands as a graduate, having reclaimed the very path that was once blocked. "Today, I am incredibly proud to say that I have officially obtained the degree I was forced to walk away from in 2020". Throughout this journey, there were so many compounding challenges that made completing his studies twice as hard as he initially anticipated. Balancing full-time work with rigorous academics tested his limits, but he pulled through because he felt, deep down, that he owed it to himself. "I refused to let the traumas of 2020 dictate my life's trajectory".
While his internal drive was the catalyst, Athenkosi emphasises that he did not cross the finish line alone. He credits his success to an invaluable safety net:
- University Support Staff: "I must deeply emphasise the profound impact of the University's support staff, whose constant encouragement, understanding, and practical assistance kept me going".
- Academic Resources: The availability of dedicated lecturers and the financial tuition assistance from the University were essential components of his success.
- Daily Motivation: The daily encouragement from colleagues, supervisors, tutors, and friends provided a necessary support structure.
Conquering the "ghosts of 2020" has not signalled the end of Athenkosi’s journey, but rather the beginning of a new one. "I set out to complete what I started to prove my own resilience to myself, and I have done exactly that". With the inner peace he fought so hard to build and a community standing behind him, his academic pursuits are far from over. "I am highly motivated and fully intend to further my education, ready to tackle whatever academic aspirations come next".