Born to rise

Beyond limitations
From Schlip to graduation, Amy’s determination pays off.
Marina Antonio
  • 5 Days Ago

Born and raised in Schlip in the Hardap region, Amy Andrew grew up with a vision for her future that stretched far beyond the quiet boundaries of her hometown.

Born with a congenital eye condition, Amy's journey began with hardship when a corrective surgery at just six months old left her left eye severely injured, setting the stage for a lifetime of physical and social hurdles. “Growing up, some people doubted me because of my eye condition. Perhaps they saw my limitations before they saw my potential,” she recalled.

Despite these doubts, Andrew remained determined to pursue higher education. Her health, however, continued to pose challenges. A second operation in 2019 had mixed results, and in 2025, while in her second year at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), an accident caused further damage, leaving her with a fractured lens.

The repeated setbacks affected her mental well-being, leaving her struggling with anxiety and a fear of the outside world. “I used to struggle with severe anxiety and a fear of the outside world,” she said, recalling a period when she questioned whether she had the strength to carry on.

Support from NUST, the Rössing Foundation and her wider community helped her through the difficult times. “The support I received from NUST and the Rössing Foundation became an important part of my story. They invested in a future they saw in me, even when I could not always see it clearly myself,” she said.

With that support, Andrew kept going. During her three-year academic journey, she passed every examination and completed all the requirements for a Bachelor of Business and Information Administration.

Now preparing to graduate, she has a message for anyone who has been underestimated because of where they come from or the challenges they face. “I come from a small town where people once questioned whether I would even make it through primary school. Now, I will graduate from NUST - a testimony that God can take a life others may have underestimated and lead it further than they imagined."