Student Stories

I completed my Higher Nitec in Financial Services, but I knew Business wasn't the career I wanted to pursue. I'd always been interested in the media industry, especially storytelling through journalism, film and television, so I applied for a media course in polytechnic. When I wasn't offered a place, I started exploring other options and came across PSB Academy.

When I visited the campus, it gave me confidence that I was making the right choice. Seeing the recording and green screen studios made me feel like I was finally stepping into an environment related to the industry I was interested in.

Like many parents, mine had always planned and saved for my education, but they hadn't quite expected me to continue my studies through private education. Even so, they supported the decision because they knew this was the course I genuinely wanted.

After completing the certificate programme, I was preparing to progress to the diploma when my dad came across the SISEU Scholarship through his union and encouraged me to apply. Receiving the scholarship meant my parents didn't have to stretch the education budget they'd carefully planned. Being the oldest of four, I was especially grateful, since my three younger siblings still have their own education ahead of them, and it's a reminder not to take the opportunity for granted. If anything, it pushes me to work harder in school, which is easier to do when the module actually interests you.

Now in my diploma, my favourite module so far has been Principles of Journalism, since it's closest to the career I hope to build. Outside of school, I read a lot, and whenever assignments start piling up, I take them one at a time and treat a good book as the reward once they're done. It's the same approach either way: work through what's in front of me, then look further ahead. And further ahead is university, then a career in media, whether that ends up being film, TV, entertainment, sports or fashion.

Not getting into that polytechnic course felt like the end of the road at the time. But I found my own way into journalism anyway.