By Selma Neshiko
Born in 1989 and growing up in the capital, Tjuna Kauapirura is the third born of seven siblings. She attended three schools in Windhoek namely, the Delta Schule Windhoek (DSW), Deutsche Höhere Privatschule (DHPS) and finished off at Concordia College.
Tjuna got her first job when she was in Grade 9 as a waitress up until she completed her Grade 12 with all subjects on higher level. After high school, she furthered her studies at the University of Namibia and she is currently in her final year, completing an Honours Degree in Industrial Psychology and German Studies.While studying, Tjuna also work part time at Container World Namibia. “This was quite difficult at that time but I guess that willpower carried right up till today because when I started at Unam, I had also started working for Container World. I had to juggle around with my university, job and social life which most students fear. This, for me, and supporting my mother, are my biggest challenges but I deal with it day to day and try to be the best I can be each morning when I wake up,” she says.
Tjuna adds that she has big dreams, which she hopes to accomplish within five to ten years from now. “I would have already built the foundation of my legacy, bought my mother another house and had my own properties. My mother, my late grandmother and late stepfather are my biggest motivators in succeeding and reaching my goals,” says Tjuna. Keeping up with everyday challenges is what keeps her going every day and she encourages fellow youths to keep their heads up. “Learn from each challenge that you endure and know that it only teaches you greater lessons and it helps you realise your own capabilities. Life has a way of throwing punches at you. After you have stood up and dusted yourself off, expect to take another punch. This time only, you are stronger, wiser and have a different attitude,” adds.
Tjuna is also does acting and events planning on a part time basis. She is currently preparing to shoot a movie by Obed Emvula and Florian Schott called Katutura, which has created a big hype on social media.
“Maya Angelou said: “Courage is the most important of all virtues, because without courage you can’t practice anything consistently. You can practice any virtue erratically, but nothing consistently without courage. Nothing will work if you don’t.” This is my message to the young, ambitious, perhaps also to the lost ones who have no more hope. “Chase your dream with courage, discipline, ambition, hard work and always carry God in the palm of your hands,” she signs off.