Rising above the odds: A story of perseverance

(By: Sylvia Hashondali)

Images: Contributed

Ileni Joseph, a young woman from Walvis Bay and a proud 2025 alumnus of River Higher Institute of Technology, shared her story of resilience, faith, and the deep desire to grow.. In a recent interview with Campus Connect, Joseph, who holds a Diploma in Electrical Engineering (Level 5), reminded us that success is not defined by where we come from, but by how far we’re willing to go.

Though she comes from a well-off family, life took a difficult turn when she and her siblings lost their parents. “Life without parents is never easy,” she shared, “but through His grace, I made it to where I am today.” For Ileni, pursuing her education at River Higher Institute wasn’t just about academics; it was about career advancement, personal growth, and purpose. “I wanted to gain new skills and open doors for better job opportunities,” she says. “But above all, I wanted to challenge myself and make a positive impact.”

Like many students, Ileni faced her share of obstacles along the way. Balancing studies, financial pressures, and adjusting to a new environment often felt overwhelming. Yet she refused to give up. “Time management was my biggest challenge,” she admits, “but I learned to create a study plan, start early, and use active learning techniques like practice questions and self-testing.”

As the examinations approaches, Joseph advises students to regularly review their notes, and practice with past papers. She added, “don’t forget to take care of yourself, rest, eat well, and give yourself breaks. Your body and mind need balance to perform at their best.” Ileni believes that mental preparation is just as important as studying. Before every exam, she would take time to relax, breathe deeply, and remind herself of her progress. “Confidence comes from preparation,” she says. “Give yourself time to get ready and believe that you can do it.”

She also knows how difficult it can be when stress and self-doubt creep in, stating, “It’s okay to feel overwhelmed sometimes. Acknowledge your feelings, take things step by step, and don’t hesitate to ask for help. Remember, your background doesn’t define your future, your determination and resilience do.”

Today, Ileni continues to look forward to new opportunities in her field, carrying with her the lessons she’s learned both inside and outside the classroom. Her journey is a testament to perseverance, faith, and the belief that with hard work, anything is possible. “Never give up. Trust yourself, believe in Him, and He will make everything possible,” said Joseph.