catia
SNYMAN

My Story

Growing up in an Afrikaans household, English wasn’t her first language, but she later started to learn it from her nanny. One day, her mom took a stroll in the garden and was surprised to find her sitting on the grass, reading an English kid's book to her little sister at the age of five. This has proven to her that anything is possible if you put your mind to it. If you dedicate time and there is determination and passion the result can be extraordinary.
 

As a singer, harpist, pianist, and guitarist, Catia loves to express herself through music. She also enjoys Kung Fu — which she started at age six — and skateboarding with her friends. She loves challenges and fell in love with wall climbing during her first experience of it. But most of all - Catia loves books and can never resist the temptation of buying another one.  To relax, she prefers spending her time reading a mystery novel. Her favorite TV shows are true crime documentaries but she also enjoys a good mystery or action movie. Catia has been doing dress design classes since she was ten years old and was the youngest student at the design school ever to complete the courses. Her designs have been featured at two fashion shows in Johannesburg. She is an avid scuba diver and is currently busy doing her advanced diving course. The more exciting and challenging the activity, the more she loves it. 

Catia loves to spend time with her parents, younger sister, five dogs and parrot, especially if that involves traveling and sneaking her little dogs in to join her on trips to adventurous destinations. Her favorite trip was traveling along the coastline of South Africa in a camper van in 2019. Dedication is one of Catia's main character traits, does not matter if she sits mid way on a wall with ropes dangling around her, at a desk with an intricate design pattern in front of her or whether it is 5 o'clock in the morning when she starts her academic day, followed by practicing her various instruments. She likes challenges and puzzles and therefore Maths is her favorite subject.

Attending a great university is a springboard for her future. Her goals are twofold: to gain in-depth knowledge and skills in her chosen field of neuroscience, and to develop as a well-rounded individual. Catia wants to be challenged by professors who are experts and surrounded by peers who share her passion for learning. Beyond academics, she aims to broaden my horizons through research opportunities, internships, and a diverse campus community. This will prepare her for a fulfilling career where she can make a positive impact.