Insights from the heart of Counselling and Career Development

Navigating university life can be challenging, and every student's journey is unique. From dealing with registration complexities to managing personal struggles or planning for the future, a strong support system is essential. At Unisa, support is delivered by a team of dedicated professionals committed to helping students succeed.

From left: Michelle Scharnick and Dr Shariefa Hendricks

We recently had the pleasure of speaking with Michelle Scharnick, the newly appointed Counsellor for the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Region, and Dr Shariefa Hendricks, Head of Counselling and Career Development for KZN Regional Services. They shared valuable insights into the team’s work, and shed light on how they support students as they encounter various hurdles.

Scharnick brings an unwavering commitment to student welfare. Her background in trauma counselling, combined with a master’s degree in counselling psychology from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, shapes her holistic approach to supporting students. Whether it's helping them overcome personal struggles, dealing with academic challenges, or guiding them toward fulfilling careers, Scharnick is passionate about helping students realise their potential. 

Having completed both her undergraduate and honours degrees at Unisa, Scharnick understands students' struggles first-hand. Her career in student counselling was a natural extension of her passion for personal development and well-being. For Scharnick, nothing compares to seeing students thrive, achieve their goals, and grow into their best selves. Being non-judgmental and embracing diversity are cornerstones of Scharnick‘s approach. She believes that creating an open, understanding environment is key to earning students’ trust, allowing them to share their challenges and receive the help they need.

Over the years, Scharnick has had many memorable experiences. One of the most special moments for her is receiving heartfelt messages from students who have sent her their dissertations after benefiting from her support. These gestures of appreciation keep her inspired and remind her of the positive impact she is making. She remains committed to professional development, always staying up to date with the latest trends in counselling and career psychology – to offer students the best care. To maintain balance in her own life, Scharnick practises mindfulness and self-care, ensuring she is mentally and emotionally equipped to support students effectively.

Hendricks plays a pivotal role in overseeing Counselling and Career Development services for the KZN Region. Her team is dedicated to helping students overcome both academic and personal challenges, particularly during stressful periods such as registration. Hendricks highlighted that registration can be especially challenging, with many students facing technical issues or uncertainty about their courses and career paths. During peak times, the team works tirelessly to offer personalised support, from resolving login issues to helping students select the right courses. The goal is to ensure that no student feels unsupported, regardless of the difficulty they face.  The shift to online support, accelerated by the pandemic, has made it easier for students to get help when they need it most. While managing the high volume of students remains a challenge, Hendricks’s team has implemented strategies to prioritise urgent cases and improve communication. They work closely with other Unisa departments to ensure that all students are assisted promptly — whether through e-mail, virtual meetings, or booking systems for counselling sessions.  For Hendricks, the key to managing stress during registration is clear communication. Her advice to students is simple: be proactive, reach out early, and do not hesitate to ask for help when needed.

Both Hendricks and Scharnick are deeply committed to the success of Unisa students. Their team plays a critical role in helping students overcome academic pressure, career uncertainties, and personal growth challenges. Whatever you are facing, know that there are professionals like Shariefa and Michelle ready to help you thrive.

To access support if you are a Unisa student based in KZN, you can book an online session via this link: https://bit.ly/3LAaenC or reach out by e-mail at counsellingkzn@unisa.ac.za. 

 * By Jo Cossavella, Communications Officer, KwaZulu-Natal Region, with input from ChatGPT