I still remember the first covid-19 call I had while working on a Work Integrated Learning (WIL) shift on one of the ambulance companies in Windhoek. Arriving on scene dressed in a full body isolation suit, with an N95 mask and gloves (with my uniform under of course), I thought to myself’ “A year or two ago, my fellow senior students most likely did not have to put this on nor did they have to fear contracting an infectious disease and possibly taking it back to their families at home.”

My name is Joseph Simson, and I am a second year Bachelor of Emergency Care student.

My name is Helvi Shindume, I have a bachelor's degree in agricultural science and I am currently pursuing an Honours degree in Agribusiness. My love for agriculture grew from a tender age and now it’s slowly starting to reap the fruits of success through my Women in Agriculture Namibia (WIAN) initiative.

WIAN was established in 2019 and places an emphasis on women pursuing careers in agriculture, or making a living through agricultural practices. In addition, the project aims to strengthen the recognition of such women’s efforts.

The year 2019 was an absolutely favouring time for me. My journey as a student had just begun, it was a great feeling to finally be part of a prestigious University such as NUST. The year was filled with new experiences, faces and most importantly, added knowledge. It was truly the ‘university experience’ I had yearned for. The following year, which was my second year, I was hopeful it would be better and offer even more, but it turned out to be less of the norm. On March 13th 2020, Namibia reported its first positive Coronavirus case, and it left everyone in limbo, including myself.

It was late January 2003 when the 2002 matric year end results were published in the newspapers. I was not excited, nor overwhelmed, but I did look forward to seeing my results. I woke up that morning and realised that I might not be able to see my results since I did not have money to buy a newspaper. Yes, money was real scarcity when I was a young adult. I carefully evaluated my options and realised that I could walk over to NAMCOL, and since I lived nearby, I could view my results there.

The official release of the news was made, we had to stay home for about a month and start practicing social distancing. Mixed feelings rushed through my mind, among a million of them, some were; how will academic work be handled, and will I still be allowed to ride around a few blocks with my bicycle?

My mind raced with images seen on the website, movies and stories I’ve heard. One, two, three it hit me when a taxi pulled over in front of me and I ask: “Nust Please”. Oh gosh, varsity!!!

As we got closer butterflies danced around my stomach making it seem as if I was under some sort of spell. As we drove further I saw within a distance a road sign indicating: “UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY”. Shoot we have arrived!!

Everybody makes university seem like such a daunting, terrifying and nerve-wracking experience but when you choose to study what you love, the experience feels almost too short and so much fun.

I only say this because I speak from experience.

Even though I am a third-year student (studying journalism and media technology), I have been at this institution since 2016 and my first two years at NUST ended up a waste of time, because I was busy studying something I honestly could not stand.

My name is Lelian David, better known as Lily Flower. Born in Rundu and grew up in Windhoek, I am a Namibian female, with a passion for leadership development. I was raised by dedicated and hardworking parents who ensured we always had enough to send me to school, despite their humble earnings.

I am the second youngest of nine siblings and I am pursuing an engineering dream despite the fact that my parents could never have afforded my studies. Today, I have two degrees to my name and I am currently pursuing a third one. All this has been made possible through scholarship awards.

I grew up in Grootfontein and attended primary school at Makalani Primary School. After completing grade 7, I moved on to Grootfontein Secondary School to pursue the next level of education. From grade 8 to 10, I received a number of school awards such as highest in a certain subject and Junior Academic colors.