I am Goli Ziyanda, an Animal Science master's graduate from the University of Fort Hare under the faculty of Science and Agriculture. Both my bachelor's and master's degrees were awarded with a Cum Laude (Distinction) from the University of Fort Hare. I am a PhD in Animal Science candidate at the University of Pretoria, with a focus on promoting sustainable agriculture through the use of artificial intelligence (AI).

 My previous job experiences include being a Supplemental Instruction (SI) leader, Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) assistant, part-time lecturer, residence sub-warden at the University of Fort Hare, and brand ambassador at Megaworxx company with a focus on Samsung devices and Spar products. I have volunteered at the Fort Hare Dairy Farm for a year as a member of the UFH Skills Development Club, a student organisation, that was formed to enhance the exposure of agricultural students to the professional environment in the sector. I also volunteered as a wellness leader at the University of Fort Hare Student Counselling Unit, my role was to facilitate conversations related to students' mental health and promote well-being. 

At the core of my experience is a passion to make a difference which is shown through the students I assisted to understand course content better and enhanced their computer skills. As a Technology Enhanced Learning assistant, one of my roles was to assist students in navigating Blackboard, which is a learning management system used at the University of Fort Hare. I further assisted them in checking their similarity index on Turnitin while also advising them on how to avoid plagiarism. I also assisted in teaching basic computer skills to first-year students, such as Word, PowerPoint and excel. This position also developed my computer skills while enhancing my communication skills. My dedication was awarded by recognising me as the most dedicated Tel assistant for the year 2024. 

As a sub-warden I was required to develop students at my residences through collaboration, sports and promotion of academics while fostering a safe environment for them. Due to this, I introduced a leadership program which focused on developing leadership skills and responsibility in first year students, which won an award as the best innovation by a sub-warden. Furthermore, a sports team from one of the residences I was responsible for won the residence league at first position, further showing my passion for success and my abilities to promote team building while enhancing excellence.

 As a brand ambassador, I learnt more about relationship building with customers. My marketing skills and confidence were also enhanced through this position.

At the dairy farm I learnt about dairy farm operations including hygiene, weaning of calves, vaccination programs, milking and identifying diseases that affect dairy cattle.

I am teachable, hard-working, flexible, and career-driven.