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Name : Senamile Masango

City : Nongoma. Kwazulu Natal

Country :

Continent : Africa

About Me : I am nuclear physicsist , PhD candidate in nuclear physics at the University of The Western Cape, First African woman to be part of a First African led experiment at CERN, founder and chairperson of Women in Science and Engineering in Africa (WISEAFRICA) and Senamile Masango Foundation that deals with social issues, Global goodwill amabassador, award winning and nominee, South Africa's 200 young influential people 2019, Princess by birth from Zulu Royal household, key note speaker

Challenge Faced : I started my undergraduate degree at the age of 16, to me varsity meant freedom because my father was very strict he couldn't even allow us for sleepovers, I had that attitude that finally I am free. I was not responsible and I ended up modules, I couldn't finish my degree in record time and I ended up pregnant in 2007. January 2016 I also lost my daughter in a car accident she was only 7 years old.

How I Overcame : 2008 I took a gap year and I gave birth on that year. I got support from my parents, I am highlighting this because so that parents learn to support their children no matter what, while I was down my parent were there with me and it did means a lot to me. In life, you must fall 7 times and rise 8 times, a good soldier admits when he is down and it is also what I did. We must learn from our failures, it is not the end of the world and it is all going to work for your own good at the end. 2009 I went back to the university to finish what I have started and this time around I was a mother and more responsible. I passed all my outstanding modules and I graduated in May 2010. I changed all the methods that I used before, it was not easy especially when you just came back from a break but I fought, I also my attitude I became more positive and focused, I had the heart to learn where I couldn't I consulted the lectures or ask assistance from my peers. After lossing my daughter I was so heartbroken and I felt so empty no deserve such pain. I decide to pursue my studies and I relocated to another city where no one knew me, I just wanted to be alone and mourn according to my term and take my time without any pressure. It was not easy but I pushed through with a help from my friends I made in a new city and I aslo seeked profesional help. I pased my Masters Degree WITH CUM LAUDE and 2017 I was part of our University group that led the experiment at CERN.

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This Post Has One Comment
  1. Semamile, thank you for sharing your story. I can’t imagine losing a child. The pain must have been intolerable at times. You are very brave and courageous. Congratulations on completing your studies and having a wonderful career, you certainly deserve it.

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