Pupils win US scholarships
WHILE many pupils are scrambling for places to study medicine in South Africa, for Star College pupils Yinaash Bhimma and Tyrique Byroo, this is not a concern.
The duo, both 16, were recently awarded a scholarship to study medicine in the US. Bhimma, of eManzimtoti, and Byroo, of Westville, both Grade 11 pupils, recently participated in the Genius Olympiad held at the Oswego University in New York. They were selected on merit. Having spent a week in the US, and emerging with a silver medal in the science category, part of their prize was the scholarship.
“It’s a very exciting opportunity to travel abroad and have the opportunity to study abroad,” said Bhimma.
The head boy said while he was aware of the limited spaces available for medical school in South Africa, he had not yet decided whether he would be studying in the US.
“I am still weighing up my options.”
His secret to doing well was the encouragement from his parents, Bharat, a manager at Unilever, and his mother, Kaajal Dowlath, an optometrist.
“From the time I was little my dad said I should have my priorities in order. They have been very supportive.”
His advice to fellow students was to put your head down and study.
Bhimma also participated in the International Junior Science Olympiad in South Korea in December.
Byroo said he was “ecstatic – it has always been my goal to study abroad for the opportunities it presents”.
The teen said consistent study had paid off. He said he was uncertain, however, if he would be studying abroad.
“I will consider my options in terms of what the university offers. I am ambivalent about the overseas scholarship as it would mean I would be leaving my family and friends and forced to become completely independent at a young age.”
He said his interest lay with the sciences.
“I plan to study either medicine or biochemical engineering at university.”
His tips for those wanting to achieve: “Enjoying a balanced lifestyle; organisational skills; and most importantly, finding the humour in things. It relieves the stress.”