Beverly Sriruttan

no picture

We are a family of three. My only sibling is my sister, Charlotte who is 14 years old and in Standard VIII; my father is deceased—he past away in 1989. My mother is the breadwinner—she works in a school for the mentally retarded. Her monthly income is R430.00. Recently my maternal grandmother has begun living with us. We live in Umzinto a developing community on the Natal South Coast about an hour’s drive from Durban. Our house is a small three roomed one. My mother has been the breadwinner for the past 14 years due to my father being unemployed—he had a rare muscular disease which caused his health to deteriorate over the years. My family are devout Christmas.

I excelled fairly well in school and actively participated in athletics, drum-majorettes, choir and debates. In 1988, I was crowned ‘Debutante Queen’ for raising the most funds for my school. I matriculated in the same year with a “B” symbol aggregate. My varsity fees in 1989 were paid from our life savings and from my mother’s income. We received no family help and were offered none. I took five courses in my first year and four in my second year and passed all each year. This year, my third and final year for my B.A. degree, I am studying for my two majors, Psychology III and Philosophy III. My university fees have been paid from my mothers income and my vacation job wage, from school days I have always held holiday jobs in a super-market, a novelty shop, a boutique, an insurance agency. The latter is now my regular holiday job. But, during holidays, I normally hold more than one job. For the December/January summer vacation, I earned R700.00 which contributed to my fees and my boarding this year.

I am boarding close to the varsity and pay R250 a month. My third year involves much research which would never be accomplished if I traveled to and from campus, I am currently looking for a part-time job whilst at varsity. Next year, I intend studying for my honours degree in Psychology and thereafter my Masters degree. My eventual aim is to work in a school or a hospital, with mentally retarded children.

I am greatly indebted to you for the receipt of this bursary. It is very much appreciated.

Back to USSAS Students