Dedication and perseverance rewarded at nursing graduation
Arwyp Training Institute celebrated their students and wished them well in their journey.
Parents, fellow students, lecturers and graduates gathered on June 18 to celebrate the achievements of students from the Arwyp Training Institute at a graduation ceremony filled with pride, gratitude and emotion.
The ceremony honoured graduates from the Higher Certificate in Nursing Cohort 6, Diploma in Nursing Cohort 1 and Diploma in Nursing Cohort 2.
For some Higher Certificate graduates, the occasion marked not only the completion of one qualification but also the beginning of a new journey as they continue their studies towards a Diploma in Nursing.
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Among the graduates was Jeniffer Murendeni Mulele, who completed her Diploma in Nursing and achieved a distinction in Ethos and Professional Practice 300.
Reflecting on her studies, Mulele said the journey had been one of growth and perseverance.
“In my first year, I was still figuring things out because everything was new to me. I had to adapt to a new environment, new people and being far away from home and family. I was also unsure whether this was the right course for me.
“In my second year, I started enjoying everything. Although I faced challenges, I did not allow them to get the better of me. Then came my final year, which was a mix of stress and motivation.
“We had so much content, assignments, assessments and practicals to complete in a short period of time. All I can say is that I survived through hard work and by the grace of God.
“I feel relieved and grateful to have graduated. Most of all, I am thankful to my family, friends and lecturers who supported me throughout the journey.”
Mulele said she plans to gain practical experience before furthering her studies.
Among the Higher Certificate in Nursing graduates, Kgabo Mary Komape and Tiffany Kelechi Lebepe achieved distinctions in Biomedical Sciences, Pharmacology and Clinical Practica, while graduating cum laude. Several other students also received distinctions in Clinical Practica.
Diploma in Nursing Cohort 2 graduates also excelled academically, with distinctions awarded in Clinical Practica 300, Ethos and Professional Practice 300 and Reproductive Health Care 300.
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For many graduates, the path to qualification was not without challenges.
Nomthandazo Thando Mnguni shared how she overcame personal hardships to complete her studies.
“When I completed my Higher Certificate in 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic affected our studies and practical training. Later, during my Diploma studies, my mother became ill and I had to balance caring for her with my academic responsibilities and practical work.
“She is my only parent, my support system and the person paying for my studies. At one point I also had to deal with financial concerns because she was unable to pay my fees.
“I failed a major module and had to repeat the year, but what I thought would break me ended up making me stronger. Today I am graduating as an anaesthetic nurse and already working in a specialist unit.”
Arwyp Training Institute principal Dr Annelize de Villiers congratulated the graduates and wished them success in their future careers.
The guest speaker, Professor Kholofelo Matlhaba, shared her own professional journey and encouraged graduates as they embark on the next chapter of their careers.
Matlhaba is a full professor and discipline coordinator of Health Sciences Education at the University of South Africa (UNISA).
Several students were recognised for outstanding achievement.
Katlego Mpho Mhlanga received the award for best achiever in the Higher Certificate in Nursing (clinical component) and was also presented with the Florence Nightingale Award.
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Tshwarelo Whitney Maja was named best achiever in the Diploma in Nursing (clinical component), while Refilwe Glen Chauke received the Florence Nightingale Award for the Diploma programme.
Welton Dladla received special recognition, being awarded both the Florence Nightingale Award.
Dladla admitted that nursing was not originally his chosen career path.
“It was a very interesting journey. Initially, nursing was not the career path I had envisioned for myself, as I had other aspirations in mind. However, I decided to give it my full commitment and see where the journey would lead me,” she said.
“It feels amazing to be recognised as one of the top achievers. I never expected it, but by the grace of God I am here today.”
Dladla said he was offered a sponsorship during his second year after lecturers recognised his potential, which also led to guaranteed employment after graduation.
“After qualifying, I was unsure about which direction to take. My educators suggested that I work in theatre because they understood my strengths and personality. I was given an opportunity in theatre and discovered a passion for anaesthetics.
“My goal is to continue improving my skills as an anaesthetic nurse and, within the next five years, return to my studies and pursue a career in neurosurgery.”
The ceremony celebrated not only academic achievement but also the resilience, determination and dedication that have prepared the graduates for careers in healthcare and service to others.
