?Over in West London, we catch up with Karien Botha, one of our most energetic and inspiring volunteers. A former engineer turned chemistry teacher, Karien brings her love of science, education and the outdoors to everything she does – including her role in the Matie alumni network.
Karien lives in leafy Ealing, where life is a vibrant mix of family time, tutoring GCSE and A-level students in science, and finding any excuse to get outside for a run or a cycle.
Her professional path has been anything but ordinary. After 16 years in the oil and gas industry as a chemical engineer, she took a career break. Having retrained as a teacher, she now brings chemistry to life for local learners. “I recently bored my son silly when he asked about the difference between baking powder and baking soda," she laughs. “My chart of chemical formulae and balanced equations was a thing of beauty!"
Keeping the Matie flame alive
A need for making connections was what inspired Karien to get involved in the Matie alumni network. “You don't meet that many South Africans where I live – so it's a great way to stay connected." But what she found was much more than a link to home: “I've met so many talented and interesting Maties through volunteering. It's been such a positive experience."
Whether organising alumni events, connecting with fellow volunteers, or raising funds for Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票, she brings energy and heart to her role. One highlight? Taking part in the London to Brighton Cycle Ride in aid of Matie student bursaries. “It's been incredible – and the support I've received from friends, family and even strangers has blown me away."
Engineering marvels and teaching triumphs
She is proud of her engineering achievements, such as designing parts of the Mongstad Refinery in Norway and the Dragon LNG Import Terminal in Wales. Nevertheless, retraining as a teacher has been one of her most courageous moves, she says. “Facing a room full of critical teenagers every day brings some of the worst – but also the best – moments of my professional life," she says.
Matie roots run deep
Karien studied Chemical Engineering at Stellenbosch from 1992 to 1998 and still keeps in touch with her Monica residence roommates and Engineering classmates. “The scent of jasmine on a warm summer's evening always takes me back to campus," she says. Her favourite hangout spot? The quiet, green calm of the Botanical Garden next to Monica.
Although she did not meet her partner at Stellenbosch, her closest friendships were forged there – and they have stood the test of time. “I'm still in touch with my old Matie friends," she says. “They remain a big part of my life."
Being a force for good
This year, Karien is (quite literally) gearing up for another London to Brighton Cycle Ride, and she is particularly excited to see the momentum building in her fundraising. Whether through kilometres cycled or lessons taught, she continues to live her core value, namely being a positive force in life.
This is a mindset she is also passing on to her son, who is preparing for his GCSEs. On his cork board is a poster she made, filled with inspirational quotes. Her favourite? Jan Smuts's words: “When in doubt, do the courageous thing." Wise words from someone who knows a thing or two about courage, change, and chasing meaning.
- ? Join Karien's fundraising campaign in aid of student support via KindLink.
