MELISSA SCHOEMAN - BACHELOR OF GEO-INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Brief: Best Honours Student (2015)

You recently received the best Honours student award for the Bachelor of Geo-Information Technology. How do you feel about this achievement? I am proud of myself, to me it’s about furthering my knowledge in a field that I’m passionate about. All the sleepless nights and hard work will always be worth it to me, but this achievement just shows that commitment and hard work does pay off.

What is your learning style and how would you encourage others? I don’t have a particular learning style as such, but I do feel it is highly important to go through the days’ work on the day. Be sure that you fully understand the work and if not do further research or ask for further assistance from your lecturer. Personally, I feel that if you are up to date with your work, it becomes about understanding the field of work, rather than the cramming before tests or exams.

What inspired you to study Geo-Information Technology, and why did you choose to study at NUST? For as long as I could remember, I wanted to study Geology. Thus, with this in mind I attended the open day at the University of Stellenbosch and next to the Geology stand was a stand for Geo-Information Technology (Geo-Informatics) and I immediately knew I wanted to study that. I completed my degree at the University of Stellenbosch, however I always knew I would come back home to Namibia. Upon discovering that NUST offered an Honours degree in this field, I decided without any doubts that I would come home and further my studies at NUST.

What are your plans for the near future? I am currently working on my Master’s degree at NUST, which will keep me busy till end of 2017. Thereafter, I would want to make a difference in my field of expertise by sharing my knowledge and practical experience and enriching our resourceful country

Success quote! "Don't aim for success if you want it; just do what you love and believe in, and it will come naturally". David Frost