HOEDSPRUIT – At an age when most people have settled into the routines of work and family life, 42-year-old Suzaan van Zyl has chosen to return to the classroom. Her goal: to qualify as a veterinary nurse, a career she describes as her “true calling”.

Van Zyl, who lives in Hoedspruit and trains at Casteel Animal Clinic, needs both mathematics and life science to study at Onderstepoort.

Without the required school subjects, she made the decision earlier this year to start again, rebuilding her academic foundation from Gr 8 and working toward writing the Gr 12 exams within months.

Teachers who made the impossible achievable

Her journey has been supported by what she calls “an extraordinary group of teachers” who stepped in to help her pursue a dream she once thought was out of reach.

In August, Van Zyl approached Lowveld Academy and MOS Online School, where she met three teachers who have since played a pivotal role.

Suné Müller, vice principal of Lowveld Academy and a senior mathematics teacher, agreed to take on the challenge of guiding Van Zyl through five years’ worth of mathematics in a fraction of the time.

Müller has been teaching her from Gr 8 to Gr 12 level, often after hours.

“Suné didn’t just teach me maths; she changed the way I see it,” Van Zyl said. “She made the impossible feel possible.”

Her friend, Marina Strauss, a maths teacher at MOS Online School and mom of three, also stepped forward. Despite a demanding schedule, Strauss made time to assist, offering guidance, encouragement, and ongoing support.

In life science, Van Zyl is taught by Marina Otto of Lowveld Academy, who works with her after school in preparation for her exam next May.

Van Zyl credits Otto for helping her build confidence in a subject she once found overwhelming. “These teachers didn’t only see my dream, they believed in it with me,” Van Zyl said. “They invested their time, patience, and hearts into my future.”

Van Zyl also expressed gratitude to the team at Casteel Animal Clinic, where she has been gaining practical experience in veterinary nursing. She says the mentorship she receives there strengthens her determination to qualify.

A journey of faith, determination, and new beginnings

Returning to school at 42 has not been easy, but Van Zyl hopes her story will inspire others to pursue goals, no matter their age.

“It is never too late to start,” she said. “If you have a dream, work for it. The right people will stand with you.”

Van Zyl says her faith has carried her through the challenges of studying again.

“I thank God every day for giving me the strength and courage to keep going,” she said. Her matric exams lie ahead, but Van Zyl remains focused and optimistic. “My journey is far from over,” she said, “but I am grateful for how far I’ve come.”