Building her own

Building Her Own Doors:Onalerona Serole’s Journey of Grace, Grit, and Purpose Women in Power Spotlight | Barckatlist Feature Profile Roots Planted in Love and Grit There is a quiet power in knowing that your beginnings do not dictate where your story ends. For 23-year-old Onalerona "Ona" Serole, that truth is the beating heart of everything she creates. Raised in the community of Moruleng in the North West, Ona’s path is a testament to the magic that happens when deep-rooted family love meets unyielding determination. Her foundation was built on the guidance of her grandmother, who taught her that education was about unlocking potential rather than comparing herself to others, and the tireless work ethic of her mother, a waitress who ran side hustles to provide for her family. Growing up with modest resources, relying on social grants and school feeding schemes, Ona learned early that true richness comes from within. These humble beginnings gave her wings, grounded in humility and powered by a heart that always seeks to uplift others. A Mind for Science, A Heart for People When Ona arrived at Rhodes University, she chose a path as unique and multifaceted as she is: double-majoring in Mathematics, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Remote Sensing, and Psychology. Where others saw distinct fields, Ona saw a beautiful tapestry of logic, nature, and human connection. Mathematics offered her the joy of breaking down life's complex puzzles. GIS and Remote Sensing allowed her to understand the physical world through data and technology, while Psychology served as a gentle reminder that behind every data point is a human story waiting to be understood. Her path, however, has not been without its storms. When an unexpected academic setback forced her to repeat her final year, it deeply tested her confidence as a lifelong high achiever. Yet, with remarkable grace, Ona transformed that setback into a lesson in self-compassion. She learned to separate her self-worth from a test score, dust off her dreams, and keep moving forward step by step. Today, she passionately encourages other young women in STEM to step boldly into every room, knowing they belong there just as they are. The Spark of Hannibal Tutoring Academy That same passion for connection sparked the creation of Hannibal Tutoring Academy. Ona’s love for teaching was born in the quiet moments of helping a student go from confusion to clarity, particularly when a learner's eyes would light up as they finally understood a concept. What began as a simple desire to help has blossomed into an international learning community that now nurtures over 50 students, reaching across borders to learners as far away as New York. Beyond serving students, Ona has created paid opportunities for six young tutors, empowering them to build their own skills, confidence, and financial independence. She brings this empathy into every session, such as when she drew on her psychology studies to gently comfort a frustrated young autistic student in New York during a lesson, proving that compassion is the ultimate teaching tool. A Light for the Next Generation As Ona turns 24 and prepares to wrap up her degree, her message to any young woman standing on the edge of a big dream is warm and direct: start anyway. She reminds us that you do not need a flawless plan or endless resources to begin; you just need the courage to take that very first small step. Ona’s journey is a gentle reminder that you can start small, face heartbreaks, and still build a life that radiates beauty, purpose, and hope. She is not just opening doors for herself—she is leaving them wide open for everyone walking behind her.