Childhood Dreams Really Do Come True

46 year old Amanda Norman 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 wasawarded a Phatshoane Henney (PH) Group Honour Medal. This medal is awardedby 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 thecampus’ recent class of 2025 Graduation Ceremony.

“Since I was a child, I wanted to become a lawyer”, said Amanda. 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. Twentythree years later in 2021, she embarked on her academic journey during the COVID19 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 Amanda. 

Halfway through her final year she became critically ill and was admitted to hospital with Septicemia, a life threatening infection. Amanda faced the possibility of not being able to complete her LLB degree after all the years of hard work and dedication. 

She continued: “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 to 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.” 

Amanda, 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”.