Graduation day feels: we celebrate the sacrifices and triumphs

The late, great Nelson Mandela wrote in his autobiography, The Long Walk to Freedom, how important education is in not only making a difference in our country, but changing the world. He wrote:

“Education is the great engine of personal development. It is through education that the daughter of a peasant can become a doctor, that the son of a mine worker can become the head of the mine, that a child of farmworkers can become the president of a great nation. It is what we make out of what we have, not what we are given, that separates one person from another.”

Over the past few weeks, we watched as our young adults graduated from university, making the most of their ceremonies and putting the ball into motion, with warnings like “A new dawn has broken” and "You best keep your next move to yourself until it's complete”. 

Here we share the joy with fresh graduates and their families with a round-up of social posts. Go forth and conquer!

• Also read: South Africa's universities and colleges: contact details

Strong, Qualified and a truck load of incredible accolades. A new dawn has broken at UCT and transformation is on the horizon.
Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng ... New Vice-Chancellor ?????@fabacademic
You are all things amazing, inspiring and FAB! Tha ????
??: @Ramiie_g pic.twitter.com/aHGZjkVYcB

— Nomzamo Mbatha (@NomzamoMbatha) April 5, 2018

I GOT THE JOB! ????????A Candidate Attorney.LLM Masters Candidate. Now an employee at the legal department of the Office of The Premier in the Northern Cape! Dont tell me my radical queer politics is not relevant.Keep your next move to yourself until its complete. ???‍???????? pic.twitter.com/hPXJ1FMcYk

— Jeandré Goliath (@Jeandre_Goliath) March 28, 2018

Bachelor of Arts in Fine Art, if you told me just over five years ago that I would change studies from Economics to Fine Art, start my own business while studying and leap into self-employment I probably would have told you you’re crazy and proceeded to show you my written 5 year plan. This journey has shown me that life is very much not about finding yourself, or defining yourself but creating yourself as you go along - so we have to be brave with each step we take, even if it turns out to be a stumble. In the words of Liz Gilbert, “Creativity is sacred, and it is not sacred. What we make matters enormously, and it doesn’t matter at all. We toil alone, and we are accompanied by spirits. We are terrified, and we are brave. Art is a crushing chore and a wonderful privilege. Only when we are at our most playful can divinity finally get serious with us. Make space for all these paradoxes to be equally true inside your soul, and I promise–you can make anything. So please calm down now and get back to work, okay? The treasures that are hidden inside you are hoping you will say yes.” Thank you to all the wonderful and beautiful souls that have shared and supported me in this journey, here’s to the next chapter! . . .

A post shared by Jessica Dore (@watercolour_heart_illustration) on Apr 8, 2018 at 12:00pm PDT

Congratulations to Cde @Moroka_n on your honors degree. You have conquered the edge, TWICE!

We are extremely proud of you comrade ????????? pic.twitter.com/H0NohnvAKn

— Wits PYA (@WitsPYA) March 28, 2018

Decided to wear my hair to my graduation. A statement meant not to demean anyone (because tomorrow I might just wear my wig) but reflect on people and things that make who I am today. Ilali iyabulela ?? #UCTGrad2018 pic.twitter.com/GYfHCZrXtN

— asiphe (@Saul_Asiphe) April 3, 2018

Only a black mothers love for her children. Thank you Bo Mama.

UWC workers rolled out a 'blue carpet' for the graduates using their work uniform #UWCGraduation2018 pic.twitter.com/47PWfqcRkQ

— Obakeng Leseyane (@ObakengLeseyane) April 5, 2018

????‍?? WARNING: LAW GRADUATE HERE ????‍?? DO NOT ALLOW ANYONE TO TELL YOU THAT YOU CANNOT DO ANYTHING... After failing Matric (Grade 12) in 2012, I worked hard at obtaining my Matric which I eventually did in 2013, I was advised to not pursue studying toward a Law Degree as I was told I would not be able to cope and should rather study another degree. Needless to say, I refused to accept that negativity, and refused to allow anyone to dictate what my future should be. I sacrificed a lot and got into the LLB Programme in 2014 and completed my Law Degree in 2017. Today, 6 April 2018, I officially graduated with my LLB (Law) Degree at the University of the Western Cape (@uwconline) with great pride. The love I have for my University is immeasurable. I would encourage everyone to pursue a degree at UWC, a place like no other. Anybody is capable of achieving anything if you work hard and are willing to sacrifice. Failure is NOT the end. Thank you to my parents for the opportunity, love and support. To my family and friends, thank you to all of you who along the way, sent a message, phoned me, who encouraged and supported me. This is not only for myself but for you too. To my colleagues, some of whom are friends for life and colleagues I will meet again in future - WE MADE IT! After years of many late nights and sacrifice, the day we have been waiting for has come and gone. I wish each and everyone of you everything of the very best for the very bright future ahead for all of us. I believe we will all be successful in our own manner because we did not go through these years of "hell" for nothing. Once again... A humble thank you for all your support, love and prayers. What a journey it has been. “Don’t talk to me, talk to my lawyer.” If you need a lawyer - you can call me ?? #Graduation2018 #UWCGraduation #LawGraduation #LawGraduate #LLB #LawDegree #Lawyer

A post shared by Carlo Gordon (@carlogordon) on Apr 6, 2018 at 9:15am PDT

It's time for my cheesy grad post: The past three years were a complete journey of going from not being sure if I would have funding for the opportunity to go to university, to standing outside Memorial Hall, beaming. I'm really grateful for all the chances I've been given to shine and figure out what I want from this life; I'm grateful to the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation for giving me the financial backing to make getting a degree possible; I'm grateful to my family for love and words of encouragement, and to my friends for talking me through my fears, and showing me how to let lose and have fun when I needed it; I'm grateful to the lecturers, professionals and fellow students who have inspired me to strive towards a meaningful existence in this messy world; I'm grateful to the love of my life for helping me find my own determination all over again after a lot of trauma, and for always believing in my potential to be exceptional; I'm greatful for the student movements and academic texts that have made me question my place in this world, and have forced me to grow (and keep growing); I'm grateful to the clouds and sunsets that helped me take some deep breaths when I needed peace... And above all of this, I'm also proud of myself. I think that's important to say, for a change, I think? It's been real, UCT. Deuces. #uctgrad #uctgrad2018 #graduation #uct #grateful #growth #education #degree #capetown #goodbye #sentimental

A post shared by Annabel Fenton (@annabelfenton) on Apr 7, 2018 at 1:09pm PDT

6. I kept silent & focused on the vision. I went back to school, I started a socially relevant Media Company & founded a youth empowerment facility.

This year the NGO turns 3, the media entity currently has 4 employees & today I graduate with a BA Degree in Community Development pic.twitter.com/y5auJy2e3h

— Ayanda-Allie Paine (@AyandaAllieP) April 3, 2018

1st ever BMus Music Technology ever to graduate from UCT. Degree with Distinction. #Blackboyjoy #graduation2018 pic.twitter.com/hlNM6bhfiF

— Bubele Booi (@B_Booi) April 3, 2018

Yesterday I became a UCT Bcom Philosophy, Politics & Economics (PPE) Graduate.

This is dedicated to all the black womxn that have carried me through and have consistently risen to meet me. I see you and I love you????? pic.twitter.com/e4ShL2MV7M

— light (@ayanda_ayands) April 4, 2018

Moms Grad day ?????? pic.twitter.com/3SnjyTchh6

— Menzi (@anarchadium) March 27, 2018

Alhamdulilah! A dream come true ????‍????. #graduation #UWCGraduation2018 #UWC #llb #lawyer

A post shared by @ zakiraparker_ on Apr 7, 2018 at 3:50am PDT

Last year I got tired of waiting for the right time & decided to study and work full time. I would be at school from 8:30am to 4:30pm & be at work from 5pm until 11:30pm. Then I would get home and study for morning tests/presentations/discussions. It was worth it. #WitsGrad pic.twitter.com/9new5PuXNn

— IZWELETHU ??????? (@miss_andisa) March 26, 2018

The moment I love most about graduation at UCT comes at the end, when the new graduates turn to their loved ones and acknowledge them for their love, support and sacrifice. This was the scene at Law grad tonight. #UCTGrad2018 @UctLaw @UCT_news @UCTLawStudents pic.twitter.com/gpN1i9kuDz

— Dee Smythe (@dee_smythe) April 7, 2018

• Also read: How much does a first year at a SA tertiary institution cost in 2018?

Well done to all those who have graduated – we wish you every joy and success in your future endeavours.

• Also read: Bursaries, scholarships & loans: want to study but can't afford to? Start here

Did your or your child just graduate from university? Share your/their story with us by emailing chatback@parent24.com and we might just publish it.

Read more:

• Why universities need to invest in strong advice systems for students
• 6 things to ask yourself before committing to that 4-year degree
• What if I don’t get into my dream institution or course?