‘God helped me complete my degree’

NADIA KHAN

JUGGLING a full-time job as a professional nurse and studying towards her law degree has been no easy task for Marilyn Arran.

Despite enduring many life-changing experiences, Arran, 34, who lives on the Durban Esplanade, refused to give up and believes God enabled her to complete her degree.

Arran started studying part-time in 2015 and graduated with her Bachelor of Law degree at the University of KwaZulu-Natal during a virtual graduation ceremony on Friday.

“My journey started smoothly and I excelled academically in the first year of study, while I worked full-time as a professional nurse. I received a Dean’s Commendation and an award for the top first-year student,” said Arran.

“The first obstacle occurred in the

Marilyn Arran

second semester of the second year, when my academic performance declined – due to an increase in my academic and professional workload. But I had my mind set on completing my studies and decided to resign from nursing.”

Arran said leaving work resulted in financial difficulties, which put a strain on her marriage.

“I had to manage alone. I could not turn to my family, as we had drifted apart due to my Christian beliefs. It was a difficult time but I tried to stay strong, kept the faith and continued to pray.

“In October last year, about two weeks before writing my final examinations, I suffered second-degree burns when boiling milk splattered on my face. I was a complete wreck. I was worried that I would be scarred and about how I would write my examination. I did not want anyone to see me.

“There were times when I suffered from depression. I was on the verge of giving up and even close to committing suicide, but God was with me every step of the way and saved me.

“It is through the grace and favour of the Lord Jesus Christ that I managed to complete my degree.”

Arran said she also found it therapeutic to sing worship songs when she felt overwhelmed.

She said she wanted to use her degree to advocate for human rights.

“After all my life experiences, I want to help the vulnerable in society. We don’t know about the struggles that people are silently facing alone. I would like to reach out and let them know that there is hope. I believe I can inspire others to do better through my testimony.”

Her advice to students facing similar challenges is to persevere, trust in God and focus on their goals.

Arran, who also has a diploma in midwifery, works at St Augustine’s Hospital.