Skip to content
  • Home
  • Maties Connect
  • Donate
    • Online Donations
    • Ways to Give
    • Types of Gifts
  • Media
  • Contact
  • Convocation
    • Convocation 2023
    • Convocation 2022
  • Afrikaans
  • Home
  • Maties Connect
  • Donate
    • Online Donations
    • Ways to Give
    • Types of Gifts
  • Media
  • Contact
  • Convocation
    • Convocation 2023
    • Convocation 2022
  • Afrikaans

Menu

  • English
  • Afrikaans

‘I seized the opportunity’

Othmar Vorster

SciMathUS class of 2017

Degree Programme: BScHons in Earth Sciences 2021

 

I am Othmar Vorster, originally from Kakamas, but moved to Aggeneys in the Bushmanland region of the Northern Cape at a young age. I was always an achiever at school.

I participated in the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists International Science Fair for three consecutive years where I obtained a bronze and a silver medal in my second year of participation. I was also selected as part of the top performers in my province to participate in the Hope@Maties programme in 2016.

Everything changed when my parents divorced. I was just not the same student anymore and my grades dropped as a result. In my matric year, my results for Mathematics and Physical Sciences were not up to standard and I was unable to apply for the MB,ChB degree at Stellenbosch University. I felt that I had not only disappointed myself but also my parents and teachers who believed in me.

My former Maths teacher told me about SciMathUS. I seized the opportunity and never looked back. I was difficult for me to see many of my matric year class and some of those who were part of the Hope@Maties programme on the Stellenbosch campus, but that made me more determined to make a success of my SciMathUS year.

SciMathUS gave me the opportunity to consider many career choices. We were also informed of the pitfalls of studying at university, for instance the issues that previous students had encountered, and what they did to overcome their challenges. This made me more determined as someone from a small town and very far from home, not to fail in any way. The experience broadened my vision and at the end of the year I knew exactly what I wanted to become one day.

My attention shifted from the MB,ChB to Geology. The Department of Earth Sciences is located across from the Education Faculty and I often popped in there to find out more about the course, lecturers and qualification requirements. At the end of my SciMathUS year, I decided to rather apply for a BSc in Earth Sciences (Applied Geology). And I did not regret my choice, as I immediately felt at home where I was. I completed my degree and postgraduate degree in the minimum required time. All thanks to SciMathUS who introduced me to the various offerings at Stellenbosch University so that I could make an informed decision.

My message to students who feel they have failed, or disappointed their parents, is a motivational quote that stood out during my year at SciMathUS: “You have not come this far, to only come this far.”

Whenever you fail or stumble, just remember that it’s not the end. You did not get so far only to give up everything. You are not a failure. There is something inside you ready to take on the world.

Without SciMathUS and their support, I would not have known what was inside me. They helped me gain confidence and to pursue my dreams to the best of my ability. I am grateful to SciMathUS and their team for helping me realise my dreams. The insecure young man who joined your programme is now a man who has the world in his hands. I will forever be grateful to you.

More articles

Hombré: 2021 Reunion

#Matieland: Opening doors to science for women

Books: Oom & Thandi

  • Homecoming
    • Homecoming 2022
    • Homecoming 2020
  • Campaigns
    • 2021
      • Law Faculty Dean’s Fund
      • Covid-19 Relief Funds
      • Masked Masterpieces
      • Thank You
    • 2022
      • #Action4inclusion
      • Bridge The Gap Annual Fund
      • EndGBV
      • Train4Fees
      • #SciMathus
      • Move4Food
  • Chapters
    • Global Maties Network
  • Alumni Flagship Programmes
    • PreAlumni
    • Swan
    • Young Alumni
  • Events
    • Alumni Engagement Calendar
    • Events
    • Maties Events
      • Annual Events
      • Birthday reunions
      • Crest Talks
      • Maties Sports
      • Peer-to-Peer
      • Public Lectures
      • Residences
  • Donate
    • Donate
    • Impact Reports
  • Get informed
    • Alumni Clubhouse
    • Contact
    • Get Informed
    • Matie Shop
    • Maties Wine Club
  • Volunteering at SU
  • Visit Sun.ac
Once a Matie, Always a Matie
  • Home
  • Maties Connect
  • Donate
    • Online Donations
    • Ways to Give
    • Types of Gifts
  • Media
  • Contact
  • Convocation
    • Convocation 2023
    • Convocation 2022
  • Afrikaans

Stellenbosch
Private Bag X1
Matieland
South Africa

+27(0)21 808 9265 alumni@sun.ac.za

Facebook Linkedin Instagram Twitter

We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website.

You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings.

Powered by Ultimate Auction
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful. View our Privacy Policy

Strictly Necessary Cookies

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

Google Analytics

This website uses Google Analytics to collect anonymous information such as the number of visitors to the site, and the most popular pages.

Keeping this cookie enabled helps us to improve our website.

Please enable Strictly Necessary Cookies first so that we can save your preferences!