Finding the strength to persevere

Behind every graduation gown lies a story of determination, and Meckhala Reddy’s story is a testament to the power of resilience. Reddy, a proud graduate with a Diploma in Law from Unisa, shares her incredible journey of balancing personal tragedy, a busy home life, and a growing business while pursuing her academic dreams. Her story serves as an inspiration to any student who has ever felt like giving up.

For Reddy, the decision to study law felt natural. “Throughout my life, I was always told that I should never shy away from standing up for what is right, even if it means standing alone,” she explains. This ingrained sense of justice led her to a field where she could help others, with her Diploma in Law being the first step toward her future bachelor’s degree.

Her experience at Unisa was positive, and she credits the flexibility of online learning for this. “I loved being able to work at my own pace and from the comfort of my home,” she says. While she acknowledges that online studies can be demanding, Reddy believes that with dedication, the potential for success is limitless.

However, life presented challenges far greater than the demands of her studies. After losing her mother to cancer at age 13, Reddy took on a motherly role for her younger brother. Balancing household responsibilities, her brother’s schooling, and her own tutoring business alongside her studies was a constant struggle. The weight of it all was compounded by the loss of her grandfather in 2023, which took a significant toll on her mental and physical health.

Despite these challenges, Reddy found the strength to persevere. Her greatest motivation was the memory of her mother, whose pride in her academic achievements became a powerful driving force behind her. Her best friend also served as a crucial source of support, reminding her of her end goal whenever she felt discouraged. Additionally, Reddy found an invaluable resource in Unisa’s mental health support system, crediting her counsellor, Candice Chetty, as her saving grace for providing both emotional and academic guidance.

Reddy‘s journey is a powerful reminder that education is the foundation for a better life. She hopes her story inspires other Unisa students to never give up, regardless of the challenges they face. “You can either let those challenges define you, or you can use them as motivation to become the best version of yourself,” she advises. “Good things are never easy to come by, but achieving them through trials and tribulations makes them that much sweeter.”

* By Jo Cossavella, Communications Officer, Unisa KwaZulu-Natal