Alumni Spotlight: Anya Rabbets

Matric Year: 2019

School: Trinityhouse Randpark Ridge

A love of science often begins in the classroom. A successful career emerges when curiosity meets determination. Trinityhouse Alumna Anya Rabbets, Class of 2019, discovered her calling early. Today she works as a Chemical Engineer in Secunda, proving that passion, discipline, resilience open doors into industries once viewed as inaccessible to many young women. Her journey offers inspiration to current learners considering futures in science, technology, engineering, mathematics.

What first sparked your interest in science, engineering during school?
I have loved science since primary school. By Grade 4, I already knew I wanted a STEM career. Science helped me understand how the world works. Interest in engineering developed later. In Grade 11, visits to Chemical Engineering laboratories at Wits University plus UP introduced me to engineering thinking. Conversations alongside postgraduate students revealed exciting problem-solving opportunities.
 

What gave you confidence to enter a challenging, male-dominated field?
I trusted my academic ability. Female role models in industry showed success was possible. Passion outweighed insecurity about entering a male-dominated environment.
 

What does your role as a Chemical Engineer involve today?
I work at Sasol where daily responsibilities include troubleshooting, solving technical challenges, optimising processes. Chemical engineering remains versatile across petrochemical, pharmaceutical, water treatment sectors, even finance. Each day offers new lessons plus fresh applications of university knowledge alongside workplace experience.
 

A career moment that made you proud?
During my first working year, I joined a major investigation after equipment failures destabilised a production unit. Understanding core system principles allowed me to contribute meaningfully towards identifying root causes.
 

Why celebrate International Day of Women, Girls in Science?
Historically, women were excluded from STEM due to unfair perceptions. This day recognises achievements of female scientists, engineers, mathematicians while encouraging young girls to pursue scientific ambitions confidently.
 

How can schools encourage more girls into STEM?
Industry exposure matters. Many learners misunderstand engineering careers. Guest speakers from industry help learners choose informed study paths.
 

Your message to girls unsure about science, engineering?
If you enjoy mathematics, physical science, life science, explore STEM options. Engineering degrees challenge students yet bring immense reward. Ignore negative opinions. Passion should guide decisions. University departments gladly offer insight when learners seek advice.
 

Have you experienced being one of few women in technical spaces?
Yes, though negative experiences have been limited. I remind myself that my education equals colleagues around me. Confidence grows through experience plus mentorship support when difficult situations arise.
 

How did Trinityhouse prepare you professionally?
Trinityhouse shaped my work ethic plus approach towards responsibility. Dedicated teachers supported my journey throughout schooling.
 

Which school skills still assist you today?
Critical thinking skills help me analyse problems logically. Debating, public speaking experiences-built confidence when presenting ideas to senior management.
 

What do you enjoy outside engineering?
Reading, travelling, spending time alongside friends plus family bring balance.
 

How do you switch off after demanding workdays?
Books allow mental escape. Textile arts such as cross stitch provide creative relaxation.
 

How do you maintain life balance?
Work boundaries matter. Weekends plus evenings remain personal time unless emergencies occur. Relationships require deliberate effort once university life ends.
 

Who supported your journey most?
Family support never wavered. Friends met during studies remain equally important since engineering succeeds through teamwork.
 

How did family shape your ambitions?
Family recognised where passion met talent. Support included bursary applications that enabled university studies. Career success would not exist without them.
 

Any surprising passions?
I love mythology plus folklore, especially Greek, Roman stories. Collecting myths from various cultures remains a favourite pastime.
 

What scientific developments inspire you currently?
Sustainable engineering excites me, especially renewable energy, waste valorisation, circular economy solutions.
 

Where do you see your career heading?
My aim involves strengthening technical expertise. Long-term goals include transitioning into renewable energy industries.
 

Advice to future Trinitonians?
Challenge yourself constantly. Growth begins outside comfort zones.
 

QUICK FIRE 
Favourite subject? Chemistry
Coffee or tea? Both
Night owl or early riser? Night owl forced into early mornings 😂
Lab or office work? Lab work
Lab coat or hard hat? Hard hat
Favourite holiday destination? Sedgefield
Engineering in one word? Challenging
Favourite way to relax? Reading alongside tea
Favourite movie or series? The Princess Bride
Favourite song? Annie’s Song – John Denver
Three essentials? Family, dogs, Kindle
Life quote? “Everything will be okay in the end. If it’s not okay, it’s not the end.” – John Lennon

Anya Rabbets represents a new generation of engineers shaping South Africa’s future through knowledge, resilience, curiosity. Her journey highlights how early encouragement, strong schooling foundations, supportive communities enable young women to step confidently into STEM careers. Her message remains simple yet powerful: passion unlocks possibility.