Sibiya and the hiccup that changed his life

Neo Sibiya, who graduated from high school in Alex in 2014, has been to hell and back in his varsity studies at the University of Johannesburg.

Under the guidance of Ignition, he embarked on a career in business by enrolling for a degree in economics and econometrics in 2015.

But the transition from high school to university was unexpectedly challenging. “What a jump it was,” he said.

“I had no idea it would be that difficult! But I put my head down and worked as hard as I could, and it all went well – until it didn’t. I failed a test. I got 26 percent! It was such a shock. I had never failed anything, ever. I started to doubt my ability to pass at university.”

Sibiya had to regroup, and that’s where Rays of Hope’s Ignition kicked in. “My mentor was amazing. Together we worked through the situation and my confidence came back. I worked even harder and basically put my life on hold in order to pass. And I did,” he said.

Sibiya then re-engineered his life in 2015. “I now know how to work at university and what it takes to pass exams. But I have decided to get some balance. I have gone into residence and started to broaden my scope of activities.

“I spend time with my friends, have started exercising again and my social life has broadened. But I know that passing at university is still my main goal and I am confident that I will achieve it.”