“My name is Lyndel Musandida, and I’m currently in Grade 12 doing my matric year. I want to study further because I want to make a name for myself and be the first person in my family to actually go to university.”
Lyndel Musandida, a determined Grade 12 student, is on a mission to achieve her dreams and become the first person in her family to attend university. Her journey has been one of resilience, hard work, and seizing every opportunity available to her. Lyndel’s academic journey has not always been smooth. She recalls a significant setback in her early years of schooling.
“Growing up, I wasn’t always the smartest kid. In primary school, I failed Grade 3, which was a huge setback in my life. Despite this, I worked hard, taking every opportunity I had when it came to studying.”
Determined to improve, she pushed herself to succeed in high school. A turning point came when The Atlas Foundation built a media centre at her school, providing her with a dedicated space to study and complete assignments.
“When I got into high school, my marks improved with the help of The Atlas Foundation when they built us a media centre at my school. I took it as an advantage and spent most of my time studying there and finishing up my assignments. When I reached Grade 11, I started getting academically recognized, and I became the overall top achiever among Grade 11s.”
Her hard work and dedication led to a remarkable opportunity – a chance to meet and speak with the Prince of Wales, an experience that further fueled her motivation.
“I was given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity by Atlas to meet and converse with the Prince of Wales, which motivated me even further. Because of Atlas, we get many opportunities to learn and focus on ourselves.”
Beyond academics, Lyndel has embraced the sport of rugby and is a proud member of The Atlas Foundation’s girls’ rugby team. Through Atlas, she has gained invaluable experiences and opportunities for personal growth. With her sights set on the future, Lyndel remains determined to excel in her final school year and pursue her lifelong dream of becoming a nurse.
“I want to keep striving for the best this year so that I can get good grades and study further. Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve always wanted to be a nurse, and I’m hoping that with enough motivation and good grades, I can make it happen.Thanks to Atlas and coaches for assisting us in opening doors for better opportunities in life.”
Lyndel’s inspiring story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact of access to education and support. With her determination and the opportunities she continues to embrace, she is well on her way to making her dreams a reality.
