Returning to university more than 20 years after completing her first degree was a challenge Redhill School head of middle school Maheshwari Lall had always hoped to take on.

This year, she celebrated earning her Bachelor of Education Honours degree, sharing the milestone with her daughter, Diyaa Lall, who graduated on the same day.

Lall said joining Redhill inspired her to continue her studies after years of putting the goal on hold. “I always wanted to study further, but it never happened. When I joined Redhill, I found myself surrounded by educators who were completing their master’s degrees, PhDs, and honours. They inspired me to grow professionally.”

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She credited executive head Joseph Gerassi and the school’s supportive environment for encouraging her to take the leap.

Balancing lectures, assignments, family life, and leading Redhill’s middle school required careful planning. “I’m very good with planning. I knew when I had lectures and I used my weekends to keep up with my reading. The university lecturers were understanding, and Redhill was incredibly supportive.”

She also found an unexpected study partner in her daughter. “Doing it with Diyaa made a huge difference. She would sit in on my lectures and afterwards explain concepts that I didn’t fully understand. We really supported each other.”

Lall specialised in inclusive education, saying the qualification has already influenced how she supports learners and staff. “It helped me better understand middle school education and learners with different needs. It’s given me a broader perspective as a leader.”

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For Diyaa, sharing the university journey with her mother created memories she will never forget. “Usually, you make friends at university, but to do it with my mum was amazing. We studied together, encouraged each other, and graduation day became one of my favourite memories.”

One of her favourite moments came when they were both on stage during the graduation ceremony. “I was called first, but before I received my hood, I turned around to clap for my mum. The chancellor announced that we were mother and daughter and asked us to take our graduation photo together. It was such a special moment.”

Although the honours degrees have been completed, the pair may not be finished studying. “We’re already talking about doing our master’s degrees together,” Diyaa concluded.

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