A passion for Nursing and Education
Meet Ms Leykin Mackenzie, a nursing student at UKZN. For her, nursing is more than just a career choice; it’s a calling to make a difference in the lives of others.
Mackenzie’s path to fulfilling her dreams was not without its challenges. Tragedy struck her family when she lost her father in an accident, leaving them grappling with grief and financial uncertainty. In the face of adversity, she and her family found strength in each other.
With the family’s primary breadwinner no longer present, pursuing higher education seemed like an insurmountable hurdle. Yet, through the support of a bursary and the unwavering assistance of UKZN, Mackenzie found herself empowered to pursue her dreams without the burden of financial constraints.
Reflecting on her journey, she acknowledges that her greatest accomplishment lies not only in gaining admission to UKZN but also in overcoming the obstacles that threatened to derail her aspirations. The moment she received the acceptance message remains etched in her memory—a testament to her resilience and determination.
Despite facing moments of debilitating anxiety, Mackenzie found solace and support within the UKZN community. The Institution’s faculty and staff provided her with a nurturing environment, ensuring that she could thrive academically while also addressing her mental health needs. Their unwavering support dismantled the stigma surrounding anxiety and emphasised the importance of holistic well-being within the healthcare profession.
Mackenzie attributes her success to the generosity of the Hillensberg Trust and the UKZN Foundation, ‘whose financial assistance not only provided stability for me and my family but also opened doors of opportunity that seemed out of reach. Their support enabled me to pursue my passion wholeheartedly and to embark on a journey towards becoming a healthcare professional dedicated to serving others.’
