Grass to Grace: Woman Who Grew Up in Shack Becomes a Lecturer, SA Inspired
- A local woman has certainly come a long way since her days growing up in a shack, finally obtaining her doctorate
- Dr Mantoa Molete grew up selling food items to help support her family and had to endure many setbacks on her journey towards a tertiary education
- Social media users were left inspired by the persistent young woman and took to the comments section to wish her well
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A local woman is not letting her difficult upbringing stand in the way of her dreams, having just completed her doctorate in linguistics. The university lecturer has come from a life of struggle but with continued perseverance has managed to rise above her circumstances.
Source: Facebook
Heading online, popular student forum Varsity World shared Dr Mantoa Molete's inspiring story. The 34-year-old has fond memories of the green shack with the giraffe on the door in which she once lived.
The Free State local grew up selling food items at a nearby bus station to help support her unemployed single mother and two siblings.
"We used to sell chicken (both fried and cooked), juice and buns to passengers travelling to different parts of the Eastern Cape as well as those going to Mozambique. It was through that money that I could afford my own things and also help with household responsibilities," Molete shares.
Soon the determined young woman found a way to complete her high school education. Although her results were not the best, Molete continued to pursue tertiary studies and made a way for herself through bridging courses.
"My matric results were not so good. So I first did a diploma in dressmaking. In 2008 , I then went to attend at Goldfields TVET College to do a bridging course (UOFS and TVET college).
"In 2009, I enrolled at the Central University of Technology for a National Diploma in language Practice. After that, I did my BTech, my Master's and my Doctorate."
Although the woman's journey has been hard and complicated, the English professor has certainly made a way for herself despite all the struggle.
The young woman's journey has inspired many social media users who headed to the comments section to congratulate her. Check out some of their well wishes below:
Marozana Motloung-Mkwanazi said:
"That's the power to rise from the dark. I'm proud of you for always believing that your success is possible. Congrats."
Mpho Victoria Serapelo said:
"So touching and motivating my dear. God is good all the time. Look where you are now. This is a touching testimony indeed."
Nono Moloto said:
"Halala!! DR MOLETE... hard work and perseverance [brings] good results. You're a shining example of an African woman."
Calphonia Makhotso said:
"I know you as my lecturer at TVET College and met you again as my lecturer at CUT. Now I know you as my Dr Dear Dr Mantoa Molete - inspiration indeed. CONGRATULATIONS."
Granny Matsepe said:
"Education is not for the rich, good luck gal, life was so hard but you managed to break through."
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Man who 1st failed at varsity becomes an associate professor in Europe, many react
In similar graduation news, Briefly News previously reported that a Nigerian man, Ifeanyi Obi, has relived days he struggled hard as an undergraduate and how he had to carry over courses.
Now an associate professor of construction technology, Ifeanyi in a LinkedIn post said he had so many sleepless nights to work on his low grades.
With strong determination, he made it in life. The man now has a PhD in both building technology and structures.
He also disclosed that he was the best doctoral student in the field when he graduated. He said that one’s weakness today could become an area of strength tomorrow.
He, therefore, advised his followers:
“Listen don't let failures stop you, do more, find a way and with God's help you will turn your situation around. My classmates who didn't give me a chance over the years have changed their minds.”
Briefly News compiled some of the reactions to his post below:
Uchechi Anyanele said:
"Well done, Ifeanyi Obi, PhD! Your story is encouraging. Yes, we perform exceptionally when we play to our strengths. However, when we perceive that an area of weakness is one through which we can add value, there's benefit in working hard to improve on those weaknesses. Thank you for sharing. More power to your elbow."
Bunmi Bunmiajegunmo said:
"That's how a true success story sounds. You simply reinvented yourself all the time having agreed with yourself that there's no alternative. I identify with you . Bravo."
Francis Azubuike said:
"Your story is truly inspiring. It doesn’t matter how slow you are going as long as you keep moving. Kudos and all the best with your endeavours, Prof."
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Source: Briefly News
