AFTER passing matric in 2007, I went to the University of Johannesburg in Gauteng to study public relations.

AFTER passing matric in 2007, I went to the University of Johannesburg in Gauteng to study public relations.

I originally wanted to study media and broadcasting, but realised that public relations would give me a wider range of career opportunities.

I am now in the second year of my four year diploma course. I also pursued drama last year.

Winning the Anglo American and Sowetan Young Communicators Award changed my life in two ways. It made me famous for a year and I was interviewed by Sowetan, Daily Dispatch, uMhlobo Wenene FM and SAfm.

It also made me realise that one's talents and skills ought to be used, and can take you far. The prize money went towards paying for my matric dance, school fees and some of my first-year university fees.

Currently, I am like any other student experiencing the usual ups and downs of varsity. This is my first time living away from home, but I have family in Tsakane, whom I visit often.

I thank everyone at Sowetan, the Aggrey Klaaste Nation Building Foundation, Anglo American and the Department of Education - as well as my teachers and other mentors for nurturing me to get to where I am.

I still aim as high as I was doing when I took part in the local and regional eliminations of the YCA and later in the provincial and national finals.

l The author won the 2006 Anglo American and Sowetan Young Communicators Awards. She won a R30000 cash prize and her school got R10000.