Veneshka is a 22-year-old student studying law. With big dreams to right the wrongs in her country, she’s also starting a new business and has plans for more in the future. With a bright future, she struggles with self-doubt. But she knows surrounding herself with loved ones and taking one step at a time will achieve everything she puts her mind to.
Veneshka would love to go into criminal law but, is very open-minded about the other areas of law. “South Africa actually has a good law system; our enforcement of the law is just not great.” She would love to see the enforcement of the law is improved. To see justice where it is supposed to be served and that all people are treated equally, especially when they commit the same crime or a more heinous crime and that they will be awarded a penalty accordingly.
If she could make a new law, what would it be?
“Uhm, this is a difficult question. It is not necessarily a law but, I would make every sentence there is, a little bit longer and stricter and with that, I would like to see more prisons being build. I would love to see our prisons up to standard and be strict as they should be to rehabilitate our offenders in order for them to not commit crimes again. Our prisoners get away with a lot within the prisons itself because our prisons are overcrowded and our officials in the prisons are corrupt.”
Veneshka’s dreams were what kept her motivated, as she struggled with depression and anxiety for a time period. She didn’t eat, slept all the time and her mood was not always the best. She coped by using her studies as a coping mechanism. In her first year, she got a golden key award because she used to really study hard and do assignments as soon as she got them etc. She never used to postpone anything relating to her studies. Obviously, life still throws its curveballs but she won’t let it get to her. When the going gets tough she realised that it is not who she wants to be and that she wants to succeed with flying colours in her studies. Also, at that point, her older sister had a baby and he would bring so much joy to her as he does today.
Along the road to motivating herself and finding her voice. Veneshka found love. Sunil Ramdhin, is a DJ and has his own IT company, SC Technologies. He inspires her along with her sisters. “My boyfriend has a drive like no other. We always speak about how we want our life to be one day and possible business opportunities and our dreams. Then, my two sisters. My sisters just inspire me to not give up when we go through hard times or when circumstances do not seem to be in my favour. They are always there for a coffee date and advice.”
When you meet Veneshka you can see why the law is her future. It’s also the reason she’s a rebel in life. “I think standing up for myself, taking a stand, voicing my opinion and sticking to rules are really issues for people because it makes them uncomfortable. Surely sometimes I should rather just leave it but, I wear my heart on my sleeve and I stay true to who I am and what I stand for and for what is right.”
Of course even the strong-willed and minded still struggle day today. “Sometimes I still have a struggle within me to let it slide when someone disrespects me or tries to invalidate my opinion for whatever reason or I still doubt whether I should chase my dreams because sometimes it just feels too far and impossible. Sometimes finances are also a struggle to get my business up and running because I am a full-time student so I am not getting an income. Having these struggles make you feel so demotivated at times but, somewhere along the line I get my motivation back and I carry on dreaming and making things happen.”
Wanting to get an income while still studying, Veneshka has started a jewellery line, Clay-Trix. It is polymer clay earrings, hairclips and keyrings. Something she’s doing for herself, to help her build her future and a hobby as she loves jewellery and trendy accessories. She will be launching soon, so keep an eye out.
Veneshka is very well disciplined and self-motivated. We can’t wait to see her change the justice system and chase even more of her dreams.
Talk to yourself like someone you love – Brene Brown
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