VANDERBIJLPARK. – Annemarie van Heerden (66) is living proof that age should never hold you back from achieving your academic goals.
Van Heerden made history by becoming the oldest graduate to walk across the stage at the new Tsebonokeng Hall at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Vandebijlpark Campus during a recent graduation ceremony.
Van Heerden received an honours degree in psychology after taking a 42-year break after obtaining her honors degree in music from Stellenbosch University in 1980.
The graduate states that when she told her children that she would be returning to university to pursue a degree in psychology, they were surprised at first.
As a mother and grandmother, as well as a Labrador breeder and a part-time music teacher, the idea of returning to varsity seemed daunting. However, the Kindermusik educator was motivated by a passion for learning and a lifelong dream of becoming a therapist.
“When I told my family that I was returning to varsity, they laughed the idea off. Everyone thought I was crazy. They tried discouraging me, but that did not work. I wanted to inspire my grandchildren, which pushed me and encouraged me to pursue my passion.
“I decided to study psychology because I love working with children and people. I am a keen reader of psychology literature. My interest in people and children, specifically in therapeutic work and understanding how people function, inspired me to study psychology. As a music teacher, I found that I could connect with my young students on a deeper level, and I wanted to understand their behavior and emotions better. Psychology seemed like the perfect field for me to explore and learn more about how to help children meaningfully,” she adds.
However, Van Heerden says studying was not a walk in the park.
“I had to attend classes with students much younger than me. It was one of the most humbling moments in this journey, but I am grateful that my classmates and lecturers accepted and supported me,” she explains, adding that finishing a three-hour exam was another challenge.
“I ran out of time and could not finish some of my exam papers. If I did, I would have obtained my degree cum laude.”
At her graduation, Annemarie was accompanied by her husband, Dr. Johannes van Heerden, a renowned coal scientist, and an NWU alumnus.
Dr. Van Heerden says he is very proud of his wife.
“She has worked so hard, and seeing her achieve this milestone is wonderful. It’s a testament to her dedication and perseverance and a reminder that anything is possible if you set your mind to it. I’m sure her story will inspire many others to pursue their dreams, regardless of their age.”
