Lifelong dream realised as Amanda Norman graduates top of LLB class
Emeris Waterfall’s 46-year-old Amanda Norman graduates top of LLB class despite health battle.
Amanda Norman (46) recently fulfilled one of her childhood dreams when she obtained her IIE Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from the Emeris Waterfall campus.
She graduated as a top LLB student with an average of 88%, for which she was awarded a Phatshoane Henney (PH) Group Honour Medal. This medal is awarded by PH Attorneys to the top three LLB students from each Emeris campus who obtain their LLB qualification with distinction.
She was one of 546 students from Emeris Waterfall who marked the end of one journey and the beginning of another at the campus’ recent Class of 2025 graduation ceremony held at Indaba Conference Centre on May 13.
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“Since I was a child, I wanted to become a lawyer,” said Norman. During her tertiary journey, she demonstrated true excellence, highlighting the transformative power of education.
At the age of 18, she completed her schooling and entered the workforce immediately, with the aim of saving to fund her own studies in the future. Twenty-three years later, in 2021, she embarked on her academic journey during the Covid-19 pandemic while having early stages of cancer treatments and a full-time job.
“At the time, even though I had no idea of what lay ahead, there was no doubt in my mind that I would graduate. However, I had to overcome many challenges and difficult moments,” said Norman.
Halfway through her final year, she became critically ill and was admitted to the hospital with septicemia, a life-threatening infection. Norman faced the possibility of not being able to complete her LLB degree after all the years of hard work and dedication.
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“As I reflect on what this graduation means to me, it emphasises the saying that ‘you are never too old to learn.’ It has inspired me to continue to transform and develop as an individual because ‘to learn how to think is to learn how to live.
“The biggest and most important motivator in your life must be yourself. Self-motivation is at the forefront of achieving your goals. You need to study even when there is no one watching or encouraging you; have enough self-respect to always do your best. Do not try to take the easy way out by cheating.”
Norman, who bridged the gap between her ideal and real self, encourages students to “hold on to their dreams, take it step by step and day by day; that is the only way to succeed.”
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