Tenielle Pillay, a Law student at Rhodes, was honoured by the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) for her outstanding matric results which she courageously achieved in the wake of her beloved father’s sudden passing.
Pillay was unaware of the NSHSS before they contacted her via mail earlier this year. They offered her a place in this prestigious organisation based on her academic achievements. Before her father's passing her goal was to get a degree in the USA and she wrote the Scholastic Assessment Tests (SAT) for entrance into US colleges. Sadly the exam date collided with her father's death and she had to postpone writing the exam till later in the year.
She managed to write the exam a day before her mid-year Chemistry paper. The results of the SAT were sent directly to the colleges she selected. Pillay thought that it was possibly the results of her SAT exam that prompted the offer from the NSHSS.
Law has always been her first choice of study. Since it was not possible for her to study overseas she knew that Rhodes was the best place for her to do Law. She said, “I have many friends who are third years and they have always spoken highly of Rhodes and what the university has to offer. Also, Rhodes is recognised internationally for its research and the graduates it produces. I felt it was the best university for me, especially with its diverse student population and the opportunity for me to pursue my studies overseas in the future.”
When she finishes her studies she hopes to graduate with a doctorate in Law before continuing with a career in advocacy. Pillay has always been interested in global issues and ways to resolve them. Her interest in world issues arose out of her interest in her grandfather and his past. “My grandfather, Sonny Venkatrathnam, was a political activist during the Apartheid regime and was incarcerated on Robben Island for many years. His struggles, among those of Nelson Mandela and other activists, sparked my interest in Human rights and politics.
“My mentor is a close family friend and was also my grandfather’s attorney during his trials. Navi Pillay, the Human rights Commissioner in the UN, started off as one of the first black female attorneys and has since worked her way toward becoming a judge during the Rwandan genocide and a judge in the international criminal court. Her hard work and dedication has inspired me in everything I do.”
The NSHSS reaches out to students who show academic potential and provides them with the opportunity to excel and develop their skills to have a positive impact on the global community. NSHSS focuses on scholars with unique talents, vision and potential to better the world and themselves.
As a member of the NSHSS Pillay has become more aware of the world and issues that surround it. Her role as a scholar and perhaps future leader has been made clear by the NSHSS in terms of the role she has to play in making a positive impact on the global community. “The NSHSS has motivated me to achieve my goals and develop my skills to benefit our future. With the correct attitude and support base it is possible to achieve success in anything you do.”
When asked what advice she would give to another student going through similar hardships she said, “Every situation is different but the attitude you have towards life makes a big difference. Granted, it is easier said than done, but keep positive, focus on what you have and most importantly, have faith in God. It is amazing what a little faith can do when life seems too difficult to handle by yourself. Always keep in mind that you are not alone, there is always someone there willing to listen.”