Nina Venter

Nina Venter: I want to use science, especially the biotechnology aspect of my degree, to create ways for people to be less harmful to nature, and still be able to fulfil their own needs.

Nina is studying for a BSc (Molecular Biology and Biotechnology) at Stellenbosch University (SU). She matriculated at Hoërskool Nelspruit in Mpumalanga.

“Don’t settle for average. Work harder, challenge yourself and set bigger goals. Strive for excellence”.

Explain why you chose the course/s you are studying?

I was clueless! I went for career guidance and was strongly advised to do medicine based on my good marks. I have never wanted to become a doctor and the idea of studying medicine frightened me because I don’t want to work with patients for the rest of my life. I am far more interested in the scientific part of medicine, but I knew that studying medicine would be the “safer” option in terms of work and a good salary. I made the choice to follow my passion, which is science and not do something for the money.

Who or what inspired you to pursue these studies?

I visited a virologist at the National Institute For Communicable Diseases Of South Africa (NICD) in Pretoria and I saw how physical science, mathematics and biology were all incorporated. I had my Eureka moment! Talking to the virologist and her colleagues gave me more insight, as they shared their own career paths. The virologist encouraged me to follow my passion, as she was also in a similar position of being guided to study medicine but dared to be different and today she is a happy scientist.

What would you like to see changed in the world, and how do you see yourself contributing to such a change?

I would love to see humans and nature co-exist in harmony. I want to use science, especially the biotechnology aspect of my degree to create ways for people to be less harmful to nature, and still be able to fulfil their own needs.

Where did you complete your schooling? (name of school and area where it is situated) Tell us a bit about this school and your teachers.

I completed my matric at Hoërskool Nelspruit or ‘Nellies’ in short, a truly unique school. It is set against the beautiful Lowveld backdrop, and Nellies like to boast that our school is the only one with a tunnel. Hoërskool Nelspruit isn’t a big school in a big city, but it competes with big schools and provides its learners with an abundancy of opportunities. The teachers really put their whole heart into teaching and helping learners.

What did you enjoy about physical science and maths at school?

It is extremely satisfying (if it works out! hahaha…). Maths and physical science are obviously challenging, but to sit and struggle with a problem and then finally solving it, after really digging in the depths of your brain, is one of the best feelings in the world!

Why do you think some people have problems doing well in maths and science? What advice do you have for school learners who struggle with these subjects?

I think some learners fall behind or don’t understand certain concepts and then they ignore it, assuming it won’t affect future work. In reality, everything builds on everything else, and if you neglect something along the way, the knowledge gap just grows. It is important to understand the basics of maths and science. Some learners don’t want to put in the time to really practise doing science and maths, because it is challenging, but hard work really does pay off.

Any tips for learners in grades 11 and 12?

Practice the things you struggle with and ask for help. It is really important to put a lot of effort into understanding a concept and then capture that knowledge in your brain.

What advice do you have for matriculants who have to apply for places in higher education?

Take time for yourself and try figuring out what YOU want, not what society or other people want for you. Visualise yourself in the different careers and then choose the one which makes you excited. I know it’s a big decision, but nothing is set in stone, you have your whole life before you and it is possible to change courses, do more than one degree or take a gap year. Be kind to yourself and don’t let applications for higher education institutions stress you out. Lastly, try to get as much exposure to different career paths as possible.

Understanding excellence – what makes an achiever?

An achiever is someone who doesn’t settle for being average or “good enough”. The sense of achievement is the reward, not recognition or money. An achiever challenges themselves to constantly grow and better themselves, they commit to a goal and work hard to achieve it, they are disciplined. An achiever is someone who is striving for excellence.

A message to South African youth in general?

Don’t settle for average. Work harder, challenge yourself and set bigger goals. Strive for excellence.

A message to the teachers at your school/s?

Keep up the good work! You showed us compassion, support and kindness beyond words. We see the effort and extra hours you put into us, and it is clear that teaching really is your passion! All learners at Hoërskool Nelspruit are very privileged to have teachers who maintain such a high standard of teaching and really pour their heart and soul into their jobs. Thank you for providing us with knowledge and life skills to build our lives upon and set out into the world, you are part of each learner’s success story.

If you had ONE opportunity to speak directly to a very influential person, who would you choose and what would you say to them?

I would speak to Marie Curie, a Polish and naturalised-French physicist and chemist. I would ask her how did she stand strong and continue with her groundbreaking work in a time that women had no voice or support for careers in science. What pushed her to continue her research after so many obstacles?

National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF)