IIE Vega interior design graduate rings the bell on chemo and graduation
Even though Hanna Carpel began her tertiary studies in 2020, plagued by Covid-19 pandemic, the loss of her father, and a cancer diagnosis, she still triumphed, walking the stage at her graduation recently.
When Hannah Carpel walked the stage at the Independent Institute of Education (IIE)-Vega Bordeaux campus’ recent graduation ceremony, she wasn’t just a graduate; she was a survivor.
She earned her IIE Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design degree after overcoming more than most. She began her tertiary studies in 2020, during the Covid-19 pandemic, lost her father in November 2023, and was diagnosed with bone cancer in June 2024. She completed her final round of chemotherapy in June 2025, ringing the bell to mark the milestone.
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Now in remission, Carpel is not only celebrating her health and her degree, but also the start of an exciting new chapter. “Graduating meant everything to me. I didn’t want to become a victim of circumstance. I was so close to finishing my studies and I put in so much effort – I wasn’t going to let cancer stop me. Completing my degree was something I needed to do.”
She was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer, in June 2024, and began chemotherapy a month later. Throughout her treatment, Carpel leaned on the support of her family, both at home and at school. “The lecturers and staff were phenomenal. After the sudden loss of my dad, the staff were a huge help. Lecturers granted me concessions and extended deadlines so that I could submit my work.”
Carpel has wanted to become an interior designer since she was 12 years old. Despite having to adapt to online learning in her first year, due to Covid-19, she described her studies as thoroughly enjoyable.
Looking back, she said the journey taught her more than she expected. “I’ve learnt that I’m a lot tougher than I thought I was. I learnt that I have resilience and fight inside me. There were moments when I wanted to quit, to let go and let cancer take me, but quitting wasn’t an option. I needed to fight back.”
She advises students facing adversity to accept that things will get tough every now and again, and to set a goal, focus on a dream, and know that’s what they’re fighting for.
To learn more about the programmes at IIE-Vega, visit www.vegaschool.com.
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