Engineering graduate furthers studies internationally
"I am aware that I am in a very privileged position."
A former St Andrew’s School pupil and chemical engineering graduate from the University of Cape Town (UCT) was recently selected to study at the University of Cambridge for a year.
Ms Roxanne Pieterse has worked her way to success.
“My daughter has been a top achiever throughout school,” said her mother, Ms Cheryl Pieterse.
She said Roxanne was the head girl of St Andrew’s in 2010, and obtained academic honours and eight distinctions in her matric exams.
Further to these achievements, Roxanne was awarded the Absa Young Talent bursary to complete her undergraduate studies at UCT.
She was the head mentor for the first year chemical engineering mentor programme and graduated with first class honors in 2014.
Roxanne said she is excited to spend a year studying in Cambridge.
“It is all ‘terribly lovely’ as my Cambridge professor described the English countryside on a field trip to the south of England. It is a beautiful city with centuries of history, which I hope to learn more about during my time here,” she said.
“The course I am studying, a taught MPhil in Engineering for Sustainable Development, will challenge the way I think as an engineering graduate. It is about recognising that not all the world’s problems can be solved with technical solutions, and understanding how to approach these complex challenges,” said Roxanne.
“The family is proud of Roxanne’s achievement, as well as the strength, humility and grace she has shown on her path to Cambridge. Roxanne is an exceptional person, and it is wonderful to see the results of her many years of hard work, passion and dedication.
“We are also thrilled that she has been given this incredible opportunity to pursue her dream of contributing towards a sustainable future for our country,” said Roxanne’s family.
Roxanne said since her arrival in Cambridge, she has met people from around the world and is extremely excited to say that South Africa is well represented at the university, both by students and academic staff.
“I am aware that I am in a privileged position, and feel strongly that it is my moral obligation to use the knowledge I gain at Cambridge University to add value to my country,” said Roxanne.
She said the experience would not be possible without the financial support of the Skye Foundation and the Magdalene Mandela Cambridge Scholarship, which she is exceptionally grateful for.
“Finally, I must acknowledge the phenomenal teachers at St Andrews School for Girls and lecturers at the University of Cape Town, who inspired me to think critically and to never stop learning. I am also grateful for my supportive family and friends, who I will miss terribly in my year away from home,” said Roxanne.
