The following was an email received from one of my students whom I have been providing design guidance to help him improve the development of his application.

Hi Mrs Petersen

My name is Thomas Chauke, a final year student studying Bsc in computer science. I was in your class last semester I learnt a lot and put it into practice.

I have developed an online system called findavarsity.co.za allows learners to calculate aps scores and shows which faculties they most likely qualify for, soon moving to courses.

The system was launched 3 months back and it has been used by over 1000 learners and continues to grow every day with new users both students and learners. It  has  a  Q&A platform such as quora.com or stackoverlfow.com which is m.findavarsity.co.za

Dear Dr Petersen, 

I hope this email finds you well. As an IFS 361 student (student number 4129881), I am thrilled to share with you that I have been selected as one of the top three finalists for the "Top Tech Student of SA" award at the Wired4Women awards. I am honored to be invited to their gala event in Johannesburg on May 22nd. 

I would like to express my gratitude for informing us about the award and encouraging us to apply. Without your notification, I wouldn't have had this incredible opportunity. 

Thank you for your time and assistance. 

Best regards, 

Kim Small

Congratulations on Your Well-Deserved Mentor of the Year Award

Dear Dr  Petersen,

I just heard the wonderful news that you've been awarded Mentor of the Year, and I wanted to reach out and offer my warmest congratulations! This recognition is so well-deserved, and I'm beyond thrilled to see your dedication and guidance acknowledged in this way. 

Your mentorship has been an inspiration to me and countless other students, and we're all grateful for the time, energy, and wisdom you've shared with us. Your impact on our academic and personal journeys is immeasurable, and we're so lucky to have had the opportunity to learn from someone as exceptional as you. 

Although I didn't win in my category, I wanted to let you know that being a finalist was an honor in itself, and I'm still grateful for the experience and recognition. Dr Petersen's win, however, is the icing on the cake, and I'm so happy to see you celebrated in this way! 

Please keep shining your light and inspiring us all to reach our full potential. You truly are a role model and a testament to the power of mentorship. 

Warm regards, 

Kim Small

I was invited to speak to learners at the launch of UWC's Coding and Robotics club. 

Dear Nuraan, Fazlyn and Omuwunmi,

I trust that you are doing well!

On Saturday 6 August, the SLCA will be launching its Coding and Robotics Club (see attached invitation). We have decided on 6 August, as it is the end of the National Science Week (1 - 6 August), and the dawn of National Women's Day (9 August).

For this reason, Gasant Gamiet (who will introduce the Club) and I have decided to, in the programme, also have a 5 minute slot, in which we celebrate Women in Science, and specifically in ICT's. Your names were suggested, as women who excel in this field, and who are inspirations to female learners, to pursue careers in the STEM field. 

I would like to invite you to do a very short (5 minute) presentation during our proceedings on Saturday (it will be around 10:45). You can do it individually, or as a group (if it is a group effort, you therefore will have 15 minutes). The content of your presentation is your choice, but perhaps you could tell your personal story as a woman making her mark in the STEM field.

It will be a great privilege, to have you as our guest. Kindly let me know, if you accept our invitation.

Kind regards

Josef

Prof Josef de Beer

Director: Science Learning Centre for Africa

I wasn't able to attend physically but being a woman in STEM, I sent my video that was played for the students.  My video can be viewed on the left.