Annemarie van Heerden's story is inspiring and demonstrates that age should never hold you back from achieving your academic goals. She 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.
At the age of 66, Annemarie received an honours degree in psychology, an amazing accomplishment considering she took a 42-year break after obtaining her honours degree in music from Stellenbosch University in 1980.
Her determination to pursue a psychology degree after all these years is a testament to her unwavering commitment to learning and personal growth.
When Annemarie told her children that she would be returning to university to pursue a degree in psychology, they were surprised at first. As a busy mother of six children, grandmother to four grandchildren, as well as being a Labrador breeder and a part-time music teacher, the idea of returning to varsity seemed daunting.
However, Annemarie, who is a qualified Kindermusik educator who introduced the international programme to the Vaal Triangle region in 1998, 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," she shares.
She says she decided to study psychology because she loves 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 behaviour 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, Annemarie 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."
Annemarie’s message to others is to never be afraid to take that first step.
"Whether starting a new job, pursuing a passion, or simply trying something new, the key is to be brave and take that initial leap of faith. Take that first step and see where it takes you," she says.
Photo: Annemarie van Heerden chats to Prof Linda du Plessis, deputy vice-chancellor for planning and Vanderbijlpark Campus operations, after her graduation.
