Brainy Bontas!

This Bonteheuwel student has risen above the challenges of living in a poor, gang-infested area and reached her dream of becoming a doctor.

Chanell Classen, 25, graduated two weeks ago from Stellenbosch University.

She attended Kenmere primary and Kensington high schools, and after being rejected by other universities because of her maths results, she persevered and was accepted at Stellenbosch.

“I thought about becoming a doctor, but never thought it could be possible because there isn’t one doctor in my family. I would be a first-generation university student,” she told the Cape Argus.

“I’ve got a single mother and it was just too expensive to study. But God knew. And my mom believed in me.

“We applied to Stellenbosch University and UCT, but after being preliminarily accepted, I was rejected after my final matric results. My maths was not good enough. This broke me.”

She was then accepted at Stellenbosch University Health Science Faculty for medicine and studied for seven years.

Chanell credits her mother for her achievement.

AGAINST ALL ODDS: Chanell Classen, 25

“My mom felt strongly about a stable education. For a long time we had no idea that my mom was unemployed because there was always food and she made sure we were happy. She pretended to go to work just so that we wouldn’t worry,” says Chanell.

“Many say it’s not about where you come from, but I think that it actually is about where I come from.

“I am stronger because I am from the Cape Flats. I can persevere because I had to go against the grain of teenage pregnancy and drugs.

“I thank God that I have risen above my circumstances because so easily my life could have taken a different turn.”

Chanell also has advice for other young people and their parents: “If I could do it, so can you. Fight for your dreams and don’t let anybody tell you that you are not good enough - not a university and not even your parents.

“To parents: all your kids need is love, prayers and encouragement.”