Caitlin Leigh Sampson’s academic journey has not only been marked by profound loss, but also by extraordinary endurance. Despite significant physical and emotional challenges during her studies, she graduated this week (24 March) with a master’s degree in animal science, cum laude, just three weeks after giving birth to her second child.

Raised in Kuils River, where she attended Kuils River Primary School and De Kuilen High School, Sampson always dreamed of becoming a veterinarian. Although she was accepted to study at the University of Pretoria, financial constraints meant she could not pursue the opportunity.

Dreams delayed

Forced to take a gap year, she discovered that Stellenbosch University (SU) offered a pathway into working with animals through animal science. “It was disappointing at the time,” she reflects, “but in hindsight, it led me exactly where I needed to be.”

Her love for animals was nurtured from a young age by her late grandmother, while her academic ambition was inspired by her eldest sister – the first in her family to obtain a master’s degree. “She showed me what is possible,” Sampson says. “Her strength and determination have always motivated me to keep pushing forward.”

However, Sampson’s own postgraduate journey proved far from straightforward.

In the final year of her master’s degree, delays in accessing animals for her research trials meant she had to apply for an extension. Then, in early 2025, her situation took a devastating turn. While driving to Oudtshoorn, where she was living on an ostrich farm to conduct her research, a kudu ran in front of her car, causing a serious accident.

She sustained multiple injuries, particularly to her hands. “Simple tasks such as opening bottles, fastening buttons, and typing became extremely difficult,” she says. Unable to live independently, she returned home to Cape Town and applied for a second extension.

Staying the course

While undergoing medical tests to determine the extent of the damage to her hands, Sampson discovered she was pregnant. Medical procedures had to be postponed, adding further uncertainty.

During her pregnancy, she experienced deep personal loss. First of her beloved dog of 16 years, and soon after, her grandmother, who had played such a pivotal role in shaping her love for animals.

Amid this, she gave birth to her first child. Just two months later, she learned she was pregnant again.

“Looking back, it truly felt as though every possible obstacle appeared along my path while I was trying to complete this degree,” she says. Yet she remained determined. “I was committed to finishing what I had started.”

In a display of perseverance, Sampson completed and defended her thesis at 39 weeks and four days pregnant to pass cum laude. On 5 March, she welcomed her second baby into the world.

Reflecting on her journey, she hopes to pass on a message of resilience to her children. “Life will bring hardship and challenges, but when God remains the foundation, you are strengthened to rise above every obstacle and pursue the dreams meant for you.”

Looking ahead, Sampson plans to present her research at scientific conferences and publish her findings, while dedicating the next year to her family. “This time will allow me to rest and restore, and to spend an invaluable year with my children before pursuing my professional career,” she says.

“I simply hope my story encourages someone else to keep going.”