A former youngster from Brescia House in Bryanston has achieved her dream of attending Harvard College in America but is determined to return to South Africa to use her skills for good.
Nikita Lledo, who matriculated last year with nine distinctions, told Sandton Chronicle that she has had her sights set on attending the prestigious university in the United States since she was a young girl. Originally, she loved the appeal of it from her favourite TV shows but, as she grew older, she realised it would be an incredible experience.
“I thought that if I wanted to be the best I would have to learn from the best and, for me, it was the perfect fit,” she said.
Lledo added that the admission requirements were rigorous and included writing the Scholastic Assesment Tests, three character essays and required recommendations from teachers as well as external recommendations. However, Lledo added that the work was worth it.
“I always saw myself as being able to achieve it. I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it.”
Lledo was also interviewed by a Harvard alum before she could be considered. At the end of March this year, Lledo received the news that she had been accepted. The results were sent out at 7pm in the US, so she received the results at 1am.
“When I saw that the email said congratulations I was so excited I immediately went to go wake up my mom, the next three days were a bit of a blur, I kept checking the email to make sure it was right.”
Lledo plans to study either medicine or politics but is determined to return to South Africa with her new skills. “I believe that I have everything to owe to this world. It’s my responsibility to give back, South Africa and my school shaped who I am today so its only fair for me to use the skills I have to create change.”
Helga Bishop, the head of marketing for Brescia House, said, “The school wishes her the very best and looks forward to hearing about her future successes.”
Details: Brescia House 011 706 7404.
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