IN 28 years in the classroom, educator Daphne Pillay has dedicated her career to nurturing young minds and helping learners realise their full potential.

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Driven by a deep love for children and a passion for education, she has spent nearly three decades adapting to the evolving needs of learners while embracing the challenges and opportunities that come with teaching.

Recently, the Columbia Primary educator reached a significant milestone in her academic and professional journey by completing her PhD, a remarkable achievement that reflects her commitment to lifelong learning and educational excellence.

Her doctoral research explored the realities of online learning, a topic that became increasingly relevant during the Covid-19 pandemic when schools and universities around the world were forced to transition to virtual learning environments.

One interview conducted during her research remains particularly memorable.

Pillay recalls speaking with a student who candidly described the challenges of adapting to online learning. The student shared experiences of limited interaction, unreliable internet connectivity, and struggles with motivation. Yet amidst these difficulties, the student demonstrated remarkable determination to succeed.

“What stayed with me was the student’s honesty,” she said.

“The interview highlighted the realities many students face in online learning environments and reinforced the importance of support, access to resources, and meaningful engagement between educators and learners.”

Pillay’s own experiences as a postgraduate student during the pandemic gave her unique insight into the experiences of her participants. Like many researchers, she had to adapt to new ways of working, communicating with students via email and conducting interviews through Zoom. These shared experiences allowed her to approach participants with empathy, patience, and understanding.

“Because I was navigating similar challenges in my own studies, I was able to appreciate the realities of online learning more deeply. Issues such as connectivity, adapting to digital platforms, and maintaining emotional well-being became common experiences for many of us.”

Throughout her teaching career, Pillay has witnessed significant changes in the educational landscape. Over the past 15 years technology has transformed the way teaching and learning take place. With vast amounts of information now readily accessible, educators and students alike must continuously adapt to new tools and methods.

“The rise of digital technologies has made learning more accessible and flexible. It has also highlighted the importance of adaptability. Teaching today is truly a lifelong learning journey for both educators and students.”

While earning a PhD is an academic accomplishment, Pillay says the experience has also shaped her personally. Balancing doctoral studies alongside professional responsibilities and family commitments required perseverance, discipline, and self-compassion.

“One of the greatest lessons I learned was to be patient with myself. Progress does not always happen at the same pace, and setbacks are a natural part of the journey,” she added.

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