Graduate grateful to her parents
AVID traveller Jayshree Singh, who graduated last week with a Master’s degree in social science psychology at UKZN, remains grateful to her parents for ensuring she received the best possible education.
The 43-year-old oThongathi resident said her dream of obtaining the highest level in academia was being realised, and she now intended on pursuing her doctorate.
“While growing up, my late dad, Nundkumar Munoobhai, and mother, Sherine, used to speak on the importance of an education, saying it was a tool to success. And if I wanted to be successful, I knew I had to study and work hard. My parents also sacrificed a lot for me to have the best in life,” said Singh.
She completed her Bachelor of Social Science degree at UKZN in 2012, and her Honours in arts counselling psychology through Unisa in 2015.
Her Master’s degree dissertation, she said, was based on an extensive qualitative study of the life and challenges of students with disabilities at UKZN.
“The study proposed a significant amendment to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, and seven new discoveries in the field of disability in the higher education sector were made.
“I had found that Maslow’s concept of self-actualisation relates directly to academic challenges and opportunities students with disabilities face.”
She continued: “In light of the findings, it was established in the study that the incorporation of ‘inclusivity’ as an extension to the ‘belongingness’ construct, which is a fundamental human need, was not explicitly represented in the five-stage model of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and therefore advocates for adaptation.”
Singh added that being a conscientious person, who worked hard and paid attention to detail, helped in achieving her goals.
“I am flexible, pick up new skills quickly and am always eager to learn from others. I also have many ideas and the enthusiasm to pursue them.”
Singh, who is married to Ashwin and has three children, said her greatest challenge while completing her studies was time management.
“Time management plays an important role in balancing work, family life, studying, health and fitness. It was not easy, especially raising three children and focusing on their educational development. However, the same educational values I was taught by my parents, I have instilled in my life.”
Her message to those planning on furthering their studies: “The time to reach for your dreams is now as you are worth more than what you think and deserve only the best. The only way to attain your dream is to take the first step.”
Singh keeps fit by running, swimming and walking, and maintaining good nutrition.
She has holidayed in Qatar, Thailand, India and Mauritius.
“Travelling is the best education because you get to see the world through another lens.”
Her children are Yashna, 16, Sinha, 10, and Tahir, 9.