If you walk past the IT building and hear a loud noise coming from the first floor, don’t be alarmed. One of these days Wendy Robyn will start announcing the completion of a project with a vuvuzela. Yes, things do get a little bit hectic in the IT network department and a little stress relief always helps.

Wendy is responsible for project financing in IT’s network department. This includes the accumulation of information for cost estimates, requesting funds, handling orders, paying invoices and updating project statements to ensure the successful completion of projects. She also takes care of inquiries regarding project finances. Not bad for someone who chose German above accounting at school.

After matric at Immaculata High Girls’ School, she completed her National Diploma in Human Resources in 2003.  Shortly thereafter she started working at Pierre Cronje, a furniture manufacturer who has been featured on Top Billing, first as receptionist and soon she advanced to payroll administrator. It’s here where her love for home decor was cultivated, coming to good use now that she and her husband has their own home after 9 years.

Since then Wendy finsihed level 3 of AAT Accounting and she will be starting level 4 soon. Studying while raising two children, aged 6 months and 5 years, is a challenge – especially when the 5 year-old tells you to put your books down. “I had to start studying at 4 in the morning.”

“I like structure and finance.”

“The best part of my work is to finalise a project and the satisfaction it brings.” She enjoys the exactness and precision of finance and that a project’s budget can be balanced when it’s completed. “If one cent’s not accounted for, I will try and find it.” On the other hand, projects staying open for long due to various problems and delays, can cause some frustration.

Who would’ve though she almost resigned in her first week at IT. “The combination of trying to understand Afrikaans and the foreignness of the technical environment was a huge challenge.” And now, after 7 years, there’s no sign of an English accent and she’s gotten the better of technology and Afrikaans.

“When Lynn, Albrecht and me start talking about the “old days” and telling all kinds of stories, you know the stress levels are on the rise again. We laugh a lot.”

“Work isn’t everything. Family and life outside work is what it’s all about.”

With two children under 5 years other pastimes aren’t always an option. But retail therapy is definitely one. “Oh, I love shopping, but I don’t spend a lot of money. It’s more about the fun of finding a bargain.” Luckily she’s very disciplined when it comes to money matters – at work and with her own finances. When she’s not shopping, you’ll find her on the rowing machine at the gym, but never on a treadmill. “It just makes me dizzy.”

“I’m not too crazy about sport in general, but will go to gym and try to eat healthy. Anything with seeds!” She also loves walking and will easily rather walk somewhere instead of jumping in the car.

“You don’t say ‘no’ to charity”

For Wendy charity isn’t negotiable. She and a friend started Christmas Smiles, a group who collects Christmas gifts for lesser supported charities like Sunrise Educare in Bishop Lavis and the CHOC House (Children fighting Cancer). “Because I have children myself, children in need are my main focus. It’s my way of giving back, because I’ve been blessed so much.”

When the family takes a break, Club Mykonos is a popular choice, but one day, when the kids are bigger, they’ll try and visit the real one in Greece. Australia and France is also high on the wishlist. But for now, 2 kids, a dog and husband keeps her busy enough.

If you’re interested in getting involved in Christmas Smiles, e-mail her at wrobyn@sun.ac.za.