Hard work pays off for Marco
HARD work, perseverance, as well as good time management have led to a young Chatsworth man being rewarded for his star performance at the Durban University of Technology.
Marco Naidoo, 24, graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Technology in Electrical Engineering degree and was also awarded the prestigious Dean’s Merit award.
The former Westcliff Secondary School pupil told POST his achievement had been no walk in the park.
“I remember some days I was exhausted after work, but I still ensured that I did at least one hour of studying,” he said. “We all know the greatest quote – ‘procrastination is the thief of time’.
“I had to ensure that I was well prepared for any unforeseen circumstances, so I could achieve such an accolade.”
Naidoo recalled his school days, being overwhelmed by the new subjects that were introduced in Grade 10. But with the assistance and guidance of his parents, he realised that he had to work harder to achieve better results.
“I had been told the requirements that I needed to achieve to get into university and I had set this as my short-term goal. Sometimes, things seemed impossible, but through hard work and prayer I always persevered.”
After being accepted to study at DUT, Naidoo said he found the new environment scary.
“I had many doubts, but believed it was better to try and fail, than fail to try.
“My first year had to be the worst – the early mornings and transport problems at first. All I wanted to do was give up.
“But how could I have given up when this was my dream. I endured and carried on, knowing one day it would be all worth it. The rest of the years went by fast.
“After completing my second year I found myself in Johannesburg, preparing myself for in-service training.
“This, however, didn’t last long as I was homesick within a week and came back. Luckily, I found in-service training in my own city in no time. I graduated in 2014 with my national diploma.”
Naidoo was then immediately placed on the waiting list to do his bachelor’s degree. It was the second semester of 2015 when he heard that he had been accepted and could start.
“The degree is offered parttime only and this worked out perfectly for me as I have a fulltime job.
“I was rather ecstatic as I wanted to start my degree and see what was in store for me. Although it was hard work and I did not have much time for anything else, I enjoyed every moment and have no regrets.
“The feelings of these achievements are not as great as the feeling of knowing that I made my parents proud. I now sit smiling, knowing I have achieved something great, although it is not the end of my academic career.
“It gives me confidence in pursuing more degrees,” he said.