Shudufhadzo Musida On What Kept Her Going Even During the Most Difficult Times of Her Studies
Shudufhadzo Musida On What Kept Her Going Even During the Most Difficult Times of Her Studies. This is definitely Shudufhadzo Musida‘s year to shine brighter. She completed her Masters Degree from Colombia University in New Your, USA, and looked forward to her graduation.
The graduation came, and the former Miss South Africa, TV personality and UNFPA‘s Global Champion for Women and Girls looked all sorts of majestic. Behind all the glitz and glam though, are sacrifices, hard work and sleepless nights. Thankfully for Shudu, she had something that kept her going, her late grandfather.
In a post dedicated to him, Shudu spoke about the close bond they have, and how he affirmed her. This helped with her confidence and articulation. Sadly, her grandfather passed away, but the lessons stayed with Shudu. When she felt like giving up, she will watch a video he did prior to his death, encouraging her. Now because of his love, validation and encouragement, the Musida name is in the Ivy League books. What a flex!
“My grandfather called me “nyamu thanyi,” which directly translates to “the smart one.” We would sit outside together, and he would always affirm my individuality. He affirmed it in little ways, like making me breakfast when, traditionally, I was supposed to wake up first and make it for him. I was never a morning person (although now I am because of adulting 🤪).
He became the father I needed, and honestly, the love of my life. Sometimes, when we were together, no words were needed. Just the nearness of each other.
As a result, I learned to speak freely around anyone, regardless of who they were, because my Papa became my best friend in a society where there were clear divides. I cannot describe the love I had… and still have… for that man in words.
While I was doing this masters, I cried a lot. I wanted to give up many times because surely there are easier ways. I would get angry at him for leaving and stripping me of the moments where I could call and ask him about the weather at home whenever I felt overwhelmed.
But it was never about the easier ways. It was about living up to my fullest potential, even when it got hard. The potential he saw in me before I caught up to it myself.
My grandfather never took photos or videos. He kept to himself. But before I undertook a major moment in my life, they convinced him to record his first video, sitting beside his brother, who was the first master’s graduate in our family. Those would become his last words to me before he passed away two months later.
On days when I felt like I honestly could not do it, I would watch that video. On days when I felt too tired to carry myself, I would watch that video. It’s almost like he knew.
He would always say, “I pray for you on my knees day and night,” and he would always say, “no ri ita vhathu” — “you have made us worthy people.”
But little did he know that it has always been his love that qualified me, validated me, and made me so fearless. It is the love he gave my mother and me.
The Musida name is now in Ivy League books.
This is for all the dreamers, and everyone who allows them to,” Shudu said.
