​Stellenbosch University (SU) recently hosted the annual Rector's Awards for Excellent Achievement. The formal gala dinner celebrated the outstanding accomplishments of students in academics and co-curricular fields.

Lynn Grant was one of two Faculty of Education students who received an academic excellence award. “The Rector's Award is a special recognition for the hard work and sacrifices I put into my studies. It makes me feel seen and that what I am doing is worthwhile" Grant said.

She is currently doing her BEd Honours in Curriculum Inquiry. From 2019 – 2021 she completed her BSc Degree in Human Life Science and in 2022 she completed her Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).

“I decided to pursue education because I've always had a passion for both biology and helping people understand things. My greatest influencers for my career choice are the wonderful teachers I had growing up, including Ms Jagesar, Ms Gevers and Ms Moolman" Grant said.

Teaching is something she always found intriguing because her father also is a teacher. She enjoyed that he could help her with her schoolwork and her parents are her biggest motivators. It was mostly her passionate high school life science teacher that made her realise that teaching is something that she wanted to do.

“A highlight during my PGCE year was being taught by Professor Nuraan Davids and Dr Marie-Louise Botha. They are both experts in their fields and it was such a highlight being taught by them" Grant said.

Her plan is to teach at least 5 – 10 years in South Africa and then further her studies in science and possibly become a lecturer one day. She thinks South Africa needs more passionate teachers who not only have content knowledge but people skills as well.

Photo: Prof Koopman, Lynn Grant, Prof Madiba (Dean: Faculty of Education).

​Photo by: Wil Punt (Peartree Photography) ​