LISAKHANYA MVENYA TURNS DOUBT INTO DERTEMINATION IN HER INSPIRING CHEMISTRY JOURNEY AT WSU

As Walter Sisulu University continue celebrating the achievements and journeys of women during the ongoing International Day of Women and Girls in Science campaign, second-year BSc Chemistry student Lisakhanya Mvenya is emerging as a powerful example of determination, passion, and perseverance in the field of science.

Currently enrolled in the Extended Programme at the institution’s Mthatha Campus, Mvenya’s journey into science is rooted in curiosity and a desire to understand how the world works.

She explained that her passion for chemistry developed during her high school years, where she became fascinated by how the subject influences everyday life.

As a young woman navigating the STEM space, she said her academic path continued to shape her resilience, discipline, and analytical thinking.

For her, studying chemistry extended far beyond academic achievement.

“Studying Chemistry is not just about passing modules for me; it is about becoming part of a field I have always admired and loved. I am determined to build a future in science and contribute meaningfully to research and innovation,” she said.

Her journey, however, has not been without challenges. Reflecting on her early academic experiences, Mvenya revealed that her path into science was deeply personal and marked by moments of doubt and difficulty.

“My journey in science is deeply personal. From high school, I always knew that science was what I loved. I was fascinated by it and passionate about understanding it. However, my path was not easy. I was doubted many times, and eventually I began to doubt myself too,” she explained.

She further reflected on the emotional and academic hurdles she encountered along the way.

“There were moments when the work felt overwhelming and when I questioned whether I truly belonged in science. The challenges were real, and I struggled more than people saw. But even during the hardest times, I never stopped loving science,” she said.

Mvenya credits one of her biggest sources of motivation to a Physical Sciences extra class teacher who played a transformative role in her academic journey.

“One of the greatest blessings in my journey was my Physical Sciences extra class teacher. She believed in me even when I struggled to believe in myself. Every day, she reminded me that I was capable and that my dreams were valid,” she said.

“She saw potential in me when I could not see it on my own. Her encouragement became the voice that pushed me forward whenever doubt tried to take over. Her impact on my life is something I will always carry with me,” she added.

He explained that self-belief and courage were the driving force behind her choice to study science.

“Choosing science was not just an academic decision, it was a decision to believe in myself despite fear and despite the voices that said I could not do it. Today, as a second-year BSc Chemistry student, I stand proud. Not because the journey was easy, but because I did not give up,” she said.

Through her story, Mvenya hoped to inspire other young girls who may feel uncertain about pursuing careers in science. She offers an encouraging message: “To every young girl who feels doubted or unsure: your struggles do not mean you are not capable. Sometimes the strongest women in science are those who had to fight the hardest to believe they belong.”

BY: Yolanda Palezweni