“I Doubted Myself”: Former Security Guard’s Graduation Inspires Mzansi
- A former security guard has graduated with a visual arts qualification from Tswane University of Technology (TUT), a story that has inspired many social media users
- The emotional graduation post was shared on his Facebook account, attracting massive views and congratulatory messages
- Social media users were deeply touched by his journey, wishing him the best and assuring him that his late mother was present in spirit
- Briefly News spoke with Try Phoku, the visual artist, about his inspiring journey from a security guard to a graduate, and how he overcame the challenges along the way
Source: UGC
A determined young man captured the hearts of many after sharing an emotional post about his educational journey.
The graduation post, shared on Facebook by Try Phoku, was met with a mix of love and inspiration from the public.
The post shows the talented Try, aged 24, looking stylish in a black suit on his Bachelor of Arts (Fine Arts) graduation day. The second picture was taken with his dad, who looks happy and proud, wearing his son's graduation gown and sash, a gesture symbolising the support he received from his father throughout his journey.
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From a security guard to a graduate
Try's journey began after financial issues forced him to work as a security guard. He, however, shares that he always felt unfulfilled in his job and eventually decided to pursue his passion for art. He enrolled at TUT, where he began his studies in visual arts, and used his earnings from his security job to support his family and pay for his education.
Source: UGC
The graduate speaks with Briefly News
While chatting with Briefly News, Try admits that balancing work and school was tough, but he was determined to follow his dreams. He says he doubted himself and wondered if he was making the right decision during his first year of studying.
"I doubted myself and wondered if I was making the right decision. But I kept going and focused on my passion for art. My hard work paid off as I became better at art, and people began to notice my work."
He, however, kept going and focused on his passion for art, and his hard work paid off as he became better at it, and people began to notice his work.
Explaining what has helped him push through the difficulties, he said:
"My biggest motivation was following my passion for art and proving to myself that I could achieve my dreams despite the challenges."
He added that he would encourage other young people to follow their dreams no matter how impossible they may seem, and to believe in themselves.
Source: Facebook
Mzansi shows the artist love
The graduation post's comment section was filled with congratulatory messages from social media users who were proud of his hard work and dedication. Many were inspired and wished him the best in life. Some responded to his graduation caption, where he wished his late mom were around, by assuring him that she was present in spirit. Others reminded him that God has a plan for everything.
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User @Georginah Van Wyk said:
"She's definitely showering you with blessings. She may not be here, but she's your guardian angel."
User @Sipho Quinton shared:
"Congratulations to you, bro. Mommy is definitely proud of you."
User @Nolo Arts added:
"She's definitely proud of you, my brother. At least you still have your dad by your side."
User @Mita Rantho commented:
"She is always with you spiritually, protecting you. She's your guardian angel. I know life is not the same without her, but God knows."
User @Cynthia Mthombeni said:
"That's God's plan, son. He's still going to do more wonders for you. Cherish your mom's good deeds."
See the Facebook post here:
3 Briefly News articles about graduations
- A UKZN student graduating had the entire graduation hall on its feet after showing off his Kaizer Chiefs soccer jersey on stage, celebrating the Nedbank Cup victory.
- A young woman juggling her studies while working at a restaurant shared a clip of herself working at RoccoMamas cleaning toilets, windows and tables and then graduating, leaving many inspired online.
- Sharks rugby player James Venter graduated with an LLB, his second qualification, proving that it was possible to balance two demanding things and impressing online users.
Source: Briefly News
