Just one semester away from completing her IIE Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design degree, Danielle Ogilvie was forced to defer her studies due to financial difficulties. Heartbroken, she was determined to return – and return she did. Walking the stage at IIE-Vega Pretoria’s recent graduation ceremony, surrounded by the support and pride of staff and lecturers who knew her story, felt deeply meaningful to Ogilvie.
Ogilvie was one of the 187 graduates – including 26 students from IIE Vega’s Online Centre – who graduated through the Independent Institute of Education (The IIE). IIE-Vega is an education brand of The IIE.
“Pausing my studies with just six months to go was incredibly difficult. Both my mom and her partner were retrenched and I couldn’t secure financial assistance. It wasn’t a decision I wanted to make, but at the time there were no other options. I had to step away, regroup and start working to save and finish my final semester,” recalled Ogilvie.

Walking the stage to accept her IIE Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design degree at IIE-Vega Pretoria’s recent graduation ceremony felt deeply meaningful for Danielle Ogilvie (pictured) after everything she had overcome.
She moved in with her mom in Benoni and had to give up her position as President of the student liaison body at the time the “012” and began job hunting.
“I also drifted away from many friends because I could no longer travel to Pretoria regularly. I felt like I was losing the life I had worked so hard to build. But even in that very difficult time, beautiful things happened. I moved in with my boyfriend who lives in the Vaal, I landed a job I loved and I even earned a promotion. That old saying ‘When one door closes, another one opens’, really rang true for me”.
What motivated Ogilvie to return? “The moment I had to defer my studies, I knew I was going back. It was never a matter of ‘if’, but ‘when’. I’m a determined person by nature and once I commit to something, I follow through. I kept telling myself and my family that I would finish what I started. It was about more than just getting a degree- it was about proving to myself that I could overcome whatever life threw my way”.
Looking back, Ogilivie said being able to finish what she started felt “incredible”. “At graduation, seeing how proud my family was brought everything full circle. Now when I look at my degree, I see more than just a piece of paper. I see resilience, determination and growth. I’ve realised just how much hard work goes into earning any qualification.
Not everyone gets the opportunity and I feel so grateful for those who helped me reach this milestone”.
She is currently working as a Senior In-House Designer and Assistant Head of Department at a large format printing company and her ultimate goal is to work at a top advertising agency. “I’ve always had a creative flair. I knew I wanted to do something creative with my life because it just feels like home to me. While exploring creative degrees, I met a family friend who did digital design and it piqued my curiosity. However, after attending IIE-Vega’s Open Day and listening to a presentation on graphic design, I felt an overwhelming sense of clarity and excitement. It was like a light went on. That was the moment I knew what I was meant to do. That spark I felt after the Open Day has stayed with me ever since,” Ogilvie explained.
She described IIE-Vega Pretoria as a unique and a special place to learn, grow and be surrounded by like minded people. “Being constantly immersed in that kind of energy was incredibly motivating. You’re encouraged to think differently, to collaborate and to explore new ideas. What really stood out was how open everyone was to sharing and to brainstorming together. Whether it was students or lecturers, there was always someone to bounce ideas off or inspire you to see things from a new or different perspective”.
Her advice to students facing similar financial or personal setbacks is to remember that a setback doesn’t mean the end of the road. “Even when it feels like your world is falling apart, it’s okay to feel frustrated, hurt or even lost. Let yourself go through those emotions, but don’t stay there. Life doesn’t always follow a straight path, and things don’t always happen when or how we expect them to - but that doesn’t mean your goals are out of reach. Keep your focus, adapt your plan and keep pushing forward. Trust that things will come together when the time is right. It’s not always easy, but it is possible”.