A brilliant young lady named Shamenthree Naik has achieved remarkable academic success after graduating top of her class with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from University of KwaZulu-Natal, in South Africa.
Her achievement is especially inspiring because she earned the degree while balancing the responsibilities of motherhood, marriage, family life, and academics at the same time.
Despite the demanding nature of legal education, Naik remained focused and disciplined throughout her studies, eventually emerging as one of the university’s most outstanding law graduates.
Naik's Story and How She Did It
Naik began her academic journey at UKZN in 2021 and for five years she navigated law school, maintaining academic excellence while also jhuggling different responsibilities.
Her academic excellence earned her numerous awards and distinctions, reflecting years of dedication, sacrifice, resilience, and commitment to success.
Among her achievements, Naik received top prizes in Administrative Law, Corporate Law, Civil Procedure, Insurance and Agency, Clinical Law, and Mooting.
She was also recognized as the Best Fourth-Year Student and Top LLB Student, further solidifying her position as the leading graduate in her class.
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In addition, she received the prestigious Phatshoane Henney Group Honour Medal after achieving an overall academic average above 80 percent.
Behind these awards, however, is a story that goes far beyond grades and recognition. Throughout her time in law school, Naik had to carefully balance her studies with her responsibilities as a mother, wife, and daughter.
Naik’s journey involved long nights of studying, managing competing responsibilities, moments of exhaustion, and the pressure that comes with trying to excel academically while maintaining family commitments.
Yet, despite these challenges, she stayed committed to her goals and remained driven by purpose. Beyond academics, Naik also demonstrated a strong commitment to service and justice.
During her university years, she volunteered at a local orphanage, dedicating her time to supporting and caring for vulnerable children.
Her experiences strengthened her belief that the law should be used to serve people, especially those who are disadvantaged and in need of protection.
According to her, she hopes every qualification she earns will be used meaningfully to positively impact society wherever she finds herself.
For Naik, studying law is not simply about building a career or earning prestige. She believes the profession carries a deep moral responsibility rooted in honesty, integrity, and strong personal values.
She explained that having a law degree means little without living according to the principles and ethics that the profession represents.
Naik also encouraged students to pursue excellence intentionally rather than merely aiming to pass examinations.
At the same time, she emphasized the importance of balance, reminding students that while academics matter greatly, personal wellbeing and family life are equally important.
Reflecting on her journey, she explained that her understanding of success has evolved over time.
To her, true success is not measured only by awards or grades, but by consistently doing one’s best while ensuring that family and loved ones remain happy and healthy.
Looking back, Naik expressed gratitude for the journey and shared that one of her only regrets was not beginning her legal journey earlier, as she wishes she had more years ahead to grow further within the profession.
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