Anything is possible! A young South African who grew up in Westbury has just been awarded a full scholarship at one of the World’s most prestigious universities!
Johannesburg, South Africa (03 May 2022) – A young South African who grew up in Westbury – an impoverished and gang-ridden township in Johannesburg – has overcome many trials and tribulations in his life and is now on his way to getting his PhD at one of the World’s most prestigious universities!
Brandon Ferlito, a 26-year-old recently named one of the ‘Mail and Guardian Top 200 Young South Africans’, has been awarded a full scholarship to complete his PhD at Ghent University – one of the most prestigious universities in the world.
But Ferlito’s story is inspiring to many as he comes from a humble background, growing up in Westbury, an impoverished and gang-ridden township in Johannesburg.
“Growing up in Westbury was challenging, to say the least. There were gangs, violence, drugs, and bullying. Being in such an environment had a significant impact on me. Also, as a kid, I was ostracized, teased, and bullied for being ‘different’.
Ferlito says that he was fortunate as he grew up in a loving home where both his parents were working and were able to provide him with the necessary support he needed to thrive.
“My mom, in particular, sacrificed a lot in order for my siblings and me to have a good upbringing. Looking back, I am proud to be a product of Westbury, as many people have the preconceived idea that nothing good can come out of a place like Westbury. I am living proof that good can come out of Westbury.”
In 2020 the scholar applied for a PhD scholarship at Ghent University in Belgium; he made it to the final round but was unsuccessful. Fast forward to late 2021, and he got an email from his supervisor, Professor Heidi Mertes, asking him if he would be interested in applying for a different scholarship to do his PhD.
“She believed that I would be a great candidate for a PhD programme after re-evaluating my application for the 2020 scholarship. My PhD will focus on critically analyzing the shifting moral responsibilities in healthcare as a consequence of disruptive innovations, with particular emphasis on responsibilities shifting from healthcare providers to data collectors.”
The young scholar has been in Belgium since the 15th of April, but when asked if Ferlito is excited, he says that he had a plethora of emotions before arriving, from being excited, to grateful, happy, and even scared.
“I am super stoked and extremely grateful that I was granted this opportunity. All the years of hard work and sacrifices have brought me to this very moment in my life. Although I am scared, which is normal in my situation, I am determined to make a success out of this opportunity!”
The road to getting here has not been easy as the young South African has battled with depression and anxiety, but he has become an advocate for using his voice to raise awareness about mental health matters.
“Overcoming depression and anxiety is a daily task. Many people believe you can ‘snap’ out of it, but that’s simply not the case. It takes a lot of work, self-reflection, and asking for help when you are not coping. Having a good support structure and healthy outlets are important. Also, realize that you are not a burden or weak when seeking help – whether professionally or otherwise. There is absolutely nothing wrong with going to therapy or taking medication. A former colleague once told me that getting the necessary help for depression and anxiety is like a crutch; sometimes, we all need a crutch to help us get back on our feet.”
Ferlito says that as cliché as this will sound: nothing good comes easy.
“That’s a simple truth. It will take hard work, determination, perseverance, and courage to achieve what you’re destined to achieve. It all depends on how badly you want it. So go out that and show the world what you’re capable of.”
by 