Hannah Carpel walked the stage at IIE-Vega Johannesburg’s recent graduation ceremony as 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 last month (June 2025) and rang the bell to mark the milestone. Now in remission, Carpel is not only celebrating her health and her degree, but also the start of an exciting new chapter overseas.
Carpel was one of 346 students – including 80 from IIE-Vega’s Online Centre – who graduated through the Independent Institute of Education (The IIE). IIE-Vega is an educational brand of The IIE.
“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,” explained Carpel.
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 IIE-Vega Johannesburg.
“The lecturers and staff at IIE-Vega Johannesburg, especially Charmaine Lechuti (Student Relations Navigator at IIE-Vega Johannesburg), were absolutely phenomenal. After the sudden loss of my dad in November 2023, 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. “I’ve always had a special feeling when I walked into spaces,” she said. Despite having to adapt to online learning in her first year due to COVID-19, she described her studies as thoroughly enjoyable.
Looking back, Carpel 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”.
Hannah Carpel (pictured) proudly accepted her IIE Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design degree at IIE-Vega Johannesburg’s recent graduation ceremony. She has overcome 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 Ewing Sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer in June 2024.She rang the bell signalling the end of her chemotherapy in June 2025 and is in remission.
Her driving forces were her family and her dream of travelling and working overseas. “The thought of having a wonderful life after surviving everything was a huge motivation. I’ve been working towards a position in the United States of America for over a year and I’ve finally got it. I secured a position at a country club in Miami which will allow me to network and hopefully build a career overseas. I’ve secured a temporary work visa for six to eight months. This will give me time to see if it is something that I will enjoy and I can then possibly renew my work visa. I want to live life and explore the world”.
Carpel’s advice to students facing adversity? “Accept that things will get tough every now and again, but set a goal, focus on a dream and know that’s what you’re fighting for.”