University fund

Hello my name is MEGAN VENTER, I am currently 18 years old and I have just completed my first year of studying with 11 Distinctions. I am studying towards a Bachelors Degree of Computing at Belgium Campus in South Africa. This is a four year course, in my third year you can decide what you want to specialise in and I have already decided that I want to become a Software Engineer. In the fourth year of the course you do a practical year that you can either do in South Africa or Belgium (depending on your performance).

I have always had a passion for computing ever since I was in diapers. My parents got me my first tiny Harry Potter mouse at the age of two. Since then I have been hooked, I love creating things with my own two hands and seeing the things I make come to life. I want to make a difference in this world – one line and semicolon at a time.

Although my heart has always been beating in 1’s and 0’s, it hasn’t always been easy to aim for the clouds.

My parents and I moved to the United States several years ago. My father had the opportunity to work as a chef for two years, but unfortunately his works visa was not approved due to the turbulence in the States. We lived in Maryland with some of my parents’ friends. During the course of time that we were living there I enrolled in Grade 8 at a middle school nearby where they were currently already doing their second semester. This was one of the most taxing things I have ever had to do; I had to go to a new school, make new friends, study in a different language, and not to mention catch up all the work. I still managed to keep my grades up high and ended up passing with flying colours.

During this time my grandmother fell ill and unfortunately she passed away shortly after that. When we returned to South Africa, my parents went to the local High School to talk to the principal and asked him if it will be possible if I could enrol starting in Grade 9, considering that I had already graduated Grade 8 in America. The Principal didn't have a problem with it, but his only concern was whether I would pass. I ended up graduating Grade 9 as well and did two Grades in one year; I ended up being one year younger than all my classmates.

Unfortunately, not everything was going well. My father fell sick shortly after we came back from America – he was later diagnosed with Congestive heart failure. My mother became the sole provider of our family and my dreams of becoming a software engineer seemed to be fading fast. My parents always supported me and wanted to do the best they can, but my mother knew that she wouldn’t be able to pay my way through college.

My mother applied for any and all bursaries that she could find, but struggled to succeed. She approached the University and explained our situation and later that year they gave me a full study bursary to cover the tuition costs, but couldn’t promise a bursary for the second year. My parents had to work twice as hard, but managed to pay my accommodation for my first year of study.

My mom saved up to take my dad to the heart specialist again this year and the doctor did a check-up and gave the diagnosis that his heart is improving, but he is not yet healthy enough to work.

I unfortunately only received a partial bursary this year for my second year studies and thus my parents won’t be able to afford to keep me at university. This is why I’m approaching you to ask for a helping hand in my study costs for the following academic year.

Thank you for taking the time to read and better understand my circumstances!

UPDATE: I would like to add a link to my grades for last year and the grades that I have thus far.

I would also like to add that I got Third Best in my group for my First year :) (Picture included in link)

I will update my second year grades as soon as I get them. My average is incomplete