Attitude is everything, says Kimberly Khumalo
Heraut loves getting to know the community and this week spoke to Kimberly Khumalo (19), known and recognised for her excellent customer service as a waiter.
She has big dreams for her future and hopes to get into her cowboy boots one day and study in Dallas.
Kimberly grew up in Shalimar Ridge, Heidelberg and completed her high school career at Nigel High School. She excelled in sports and her matric year received full colours for her achievements in the triple jump, long jump and shot put.
“I loved school and sport and always had a determination to succeed,” she said.
After matric she took a gap year, working as a waitress in local restaurants. It was then that she was recognised for her friendly service.
“I love people and treat everyone with respect and a smile. Attitude is everything,” she added.
Her attitude towards life made her noticeable and customers started asking for her.
“It is an amazing feeling when customers want to be served by me and ask for my tables,” she said.
Kimberley worked at several local restaurants as a waitress to save for her dream of studying overseas.
“I applied at Normandale College in Minnesota and at Dallas College in Texas to study either IT Security or Accounting. I still need to go for my visa application interview, and I am praying that it will be successful,”
Kimberly who has a keen interest in IT, talked with pride about the website she built for her final matric practical exam in computer application technology.
“IT and people go together,” she said and added although she never had a laptop or a desk computer when growing up, she has always been fascinated by the codes and algorithms of the IT world.
“Social media and the internet are full of opportunities to explore. Just like the internet works with different coding and rhythms, people talk in different accents and languages in communication and that is what I am so excited to learn,” she said.
She added she was extremely grateful towards the community of Heidelberg, all the customers she serves and the people she meets and especially Gerhard Kruger, manager at the local restaurant where she currently works; for being so accommodating.
Her message to anyone considering studying overseas is, “Explore the world. Work hard as dedication breeds results.”
With her attitude of ‘All that is bad shall pass and be thankful for all that is good’, she is ready to get her boots made for walking.
