FOR MY ANGELS.
I walked across that stage and graduated with a BA in Information Design from the University of Pretoriaâwith distinction and honorary academic colours.
But this cap and gown carry far more than academic achievement. My graduation cap reads âFOR MY ANGELSâ in rhinestonesâfor my mom and dad, who never got to see this moment. Scattered around it are tiny pearls, each one symbolising a fallen angel Iâve loved and lost along the way.
I was only in Grade 7 when I lost my dad. And last year, just when I thought I had no more strength to lose, I lost my mom too. The two people I wanted most in the crowd werenât there. But I know they saw me. I know theyâre proud.
There were nights I cried so hard, I couldnât breathe. Days I couldnât get out of bed. Moments when I wanted to give up on everything. But I didnât.
I almost dropped outâso many times. Grief doesnât pause for assignments. Depression doesnât wait for exam season to end. And still, by Godâs grace, I made it.
Not alone.
I was raised by a communityâfamily, friends, mentors, teachers, even strangers who stepped in as light when mine had gone out. My support system carried me when I couldnât carry myself.
This degree, this day, this momentâit belongs to all of you.
To anyone whoâs ever questioned whether itâs still worth fightingâplease, keep going.
You can lose everything and still rise again.
You can break and still be rebuilt.
You can carry grief and still create something beautiful.
To those facing darkness: you are not alone.
To those who feel forgotten: you are still seen.
And to my angelsâMom, Dadâthis is for you.
I did it.
To God be the glory, always.
