I began my educational journey in the public school system in Kloof, where I have been fortunate enough to live most of my life. The Kloof Schools provided a strong and sturdy foundation for my journey into lifelong education. My school career began at Kloof Junior Primary School in 1972 at the age of seven. I then attended Kloof Senior Primary School and matriculated in 1983 from Kloof High School. I had the privilege of tertiary education at what was then Durban University and is today UKZN. I completed a BA degree and graduated with an LLB in 1988. I completed my articles in Pietermaritzburg and was admitted as an attorney in 1991. I then spent two years as a Public Prosecutor in Newcastle. It was during my time as a Prosecutor that I discovered that I had an interest in education.
I pivoted into my new career and lectured part-time for a few years until a full-time position became available. I joined the Department of Applied law at Technikon Natal, which is now Durban University of Technology, as a full-time lecturer in 1998, a position I still occupy. I began studying once again and graduated at the age of forty-five from UKZN with an LLM degree. My formal educational journey is now completed at the age of fifty-six! I graduated in May 2021 with a degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Management Sciences (Business Law) from the Durban University of Technology.
The importance of education is a value that I have instilled in my children. They have all worked hard to achieve their goals. My eldest son, Simon, graduated in 2020 as a medical doctor (MBBCh) and is currently doing his internship. My second son Ivan, completed his first degree, a BSc Engineering in Digital Arts, and is currently completing his second degree, a BSc Engineering in Information Engineering. My daughter Samantha, has followed her brother into the digital world and is in her second year of a BA in Digital Arts. The academic success my children have achieved is also based on the solid educational foundation provided by our wonderful Kloof Schools.
Life is never without its challenges and is often a series of unexpected mountains to climb, bumps, twists, and turns. In 2001, my husband Patrick was injured in an explosion at work which left him severely disabled as a result of a severe traumatic brain injury. I was left with three small children and a brain-injured husband. I am so grateful for the education I had and the career I had chosen because it enabled me, not only to support my family but to spend time with them during the holidays.
I encourage those of you at the beginning of your educational journey to have a vision for your future but be adaptable, embrace change and learn from the journey of others. Value your family, friends, and community. Formal education provides a foundation but learning never ceases- it is a lifelong endeavor. I am often reminded of the words of Malala Yousafzai, an activist for female education and the youngest Nobel Prize laureate, who said, “the content of a book holds the power of education and it is with this power that we can shape our future and change lives”. I am an avid reader and have found that the wisdom contained in books has provided me with courage and inspiration when I have needed it the most.
In closing, I would urge each of you to have the courage to follow your dreams, find a way to overcome the obstacles that will challenge you, and take responsibility for your life. Most importantly learn to laugh, have fun and enjoy the wonderful journey of your own amazing life.
As sad feature of COVID -19 is that we have been unable to celebrate educational achievements with in-person graduation ceremonies. Nevertheless, we have found ways to celebrate.
My mom, Liz O’Connor, and my daughter Samantha celebrating my graduation in our garden.
Unfortunately, my sons were unable to join us.
Celebrating Simon’s graduation in December 2020 in an informal garden graduation ceremony.
