Access To Success: Jayson Valentine
Jayson Scott Valentine (21), a second-year Sports Science student from Southfield in Cape Town, knows the importance of determination and persistence to success. After matriculating from Plumstead High School in 2013, he applied to two tertiary institutions: the University of Cape Town (UCT) and University of the Western Cape (UWC) - but he wasn’t accepted by either.
He took it well. “Because it is not in my nature to give up,” he says, “I decided to take a gap year, while doing promotional work, and then I tried again..”
It’s an attitude he learned from his mother (and role model), Shireen, who he admires because of her positive attitude towards life’s challenges. “Her persistence in overcoming adversity is admirable and I really respect her and admire her for this.”
Jayson’s determination paid off: he reapplied to UWC in 2015 - and this time he was accepted. He chose to apply to UWC because he had heard that it has the best biokinetics programme, and he believes that the equipment and training here is better than all the other institutions.
Obtaining a degree in sports science is definitely part of his long term plan.
“In my honours at UWC I will doing my internship at UWC’s biokinetics laboratory - and later I’ll further my studies by doing my honours in biokinetics, also at UWC .”
But getting in was just the first step - once at university, he had to cope with financial and logistical challenges.
“For me, studying at UWC entails that I use public transport and this generally takes up to two hours per day just getting to campus and another two hours getting back home,” says Jayson. “This definitely has a negative effect on my academic performance,”
Luckily, UWC’s Access to Success campaign stepped in to provide funding and support to ease some of his financial burdens, allowing him to concentrate on what really matters. The campaign focuses on providing much-needed funding to students who are performing well academically, but who cannot afford university fees.
“It has offered me the help I needed to further my education and made my life a lot easier in the process,” Jayson says about the Access to Success Campaign, “This means I have less debt to pay and far less stress in my life, while studying.”
And he’s making the most of it.
“I would like to thank the donors of the Access to Success campaign for making a contribution to my university fees. I would also like to thank access to success for giving me this opportunity and for the part they have played in advancing my career,” he says. “After I graduate,I would like to do the same for other students in my position.
Access To Success 2017: Helping Others Grow From Hope To Action
The Access To Success 2017 campaign includes:
• a public media fundraising campaign;?
• an alumni phonathon where current students gather testimonies from alumni and request regular, affordable
annual donations; and?
• a pledge system to allow UWC staff to contribute.?
Last year the campaign exceeded all expectations, having raised over R1,6 million in pledges in three weeks - the target was R1million in five weeks - and having also brought on board 557 new alumni and staff givers.
So far, 93 students have benefited from Access To Success - and students can apply for funding through UWC’s Financial Aid Office.
To make a contribution, whether a monthly debit order or once-off donation, or for more information about the #AccessToSuccess campaign, please contact Ms Somayah Barnes at sbarnes@uwc.ac.za or visit accesstosuccess.uwc.ac.za
