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Meet Megan van der Westhuizen, a Bachelor of Information Technology, Software Engineering stream, student at our Tygervalley campus and a player for the Proteas Esports Team. Growing up in a home filled with consoles, curiosity, and a tech-inspired older brother, she found herself drawn to the logic of coding and the thrill of competitive gaming.
"I have always loved computers," she says. "I love understanding how things work and how apps come together. Software engineering just made sense." What began as a childhood fascination soon developed into two parallel passions that shaped her future: building software and competing in esports. As a young gamer, Megan spent hours watching her brother play. That spark became her own motivation to learn, practise, and challenge herself. "I used to watch him, and I found it so intriguing. Eventually, I started playing myself and got hooked."
Megan's dedication and competitive mindset earned her a place on the Proteas Esports Team, where she represented South Africa with pride. What started as a hobby evolved into a high-performance commitment that required focus, strategy, and emotional resilience. Her proudest moment came in Morocco, where she and her team competed at the African Esports Championship in Casablanca. "It was incredible. Definitely my number one experience so far," she says.
Balancing that level of competition with full-time studies presented challenges. "I struggled a lot at first. I would have exams, and then two weeks later, I would be flying to a tournament. Time management was my biggest challenge." Her honesty reflects a journey shaped not only by talent, but by determination and self-discipline.
As her academic load increased, Megan made the difficult decision to step back from full-time esports to prioritise completing her degree. "I really wanted to finish strong. Right now, my responsibilities are more on the academic side."
Although she has paused competitive play, her passion remains strong. She follows esports closely and sees opportunities to contribute in new ways as her software engineering skills grow. For Megan, this pause is part of a long-term plan, preparing her for a stronger return when the moment is right.
Throughout her studies, Megan found encouragement that helped her balance both worlds. One lecturer in particular made a meaningful impact. "My lecturer, Ms Trudie, was the nicest lecturer I have ever had. She was always supportive and interested in what I was doing, even introducing me as the esports player," she laughs.
That sense of belonging strengthened her confidence and gave her space to grow. "If you want a qualification that aligns with your career and teaches you what you actually need, Eduvos is a really good place for that."
"Time management," Megan says immediately. "People underestimate it. If you do not manage your time properly, you end up overwhelmed. Prioritise your studies." She adds that passion plays a role in discipline. "If you really enjoy what you study, staying focused becomes much easier."
From the gaming room at home to the coding labs at Tygervalley and the international esports stage, Megan's story highlights the power of passion, resilience, and intentional growth. She shows how students can pursue multiple ambitions with clarity and commitment, supported by an environment that recognises their potential.
If you are preparing for your next step, you can explore how Eduvos supports your interests in fields such as technology, esports, digital innovation, and many others. Pursue your studies in a space where future-ready careers begin and where students like Megan shape the paths they want to follow.
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