“A hip of steel and a heart of steel.” That’s how Amogelang Moagi’s lecturer Dr Susan de Klerk describes her. These words are particularly apt, given the immense challenges Moagi, who hails from Klipgat in North-West, overcame on her journey to completing her bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy at Stellenbosch University (SU). She graduated on Thursday (11 December 2025) at SU’s December graduation. 

From recovering on crutches after hip surgery following a traumatic assault, to navigating the profound grief of losing her mother, Moagi’s story is one of resilience, perseverance, determination, and unwavering faith. She says facing these physical and emotional challenges in her academically demanding final year felt overwhelming.

“Every step with those crutches reminded me of what had happened. I had to wake up each day and remind myself that despite everything, I was strong – and that I would make it to the end successfully.

“Emotionally, I became hypervigilant – avoiding certain spaces and people to prevent being triggered. I had to create a rhythm that protected my healing: resting between classes, slowing down, and allowing myself to rely on others without guilt.”

Rise again

Losing her mother during her final year was really devastating, says Moagi.

“My mother was my biggest supporter, and her greatest dream was to see me graduate.This dream pushed me forward. Knowing she believed in me – right until her last breath – became my guiding light. Her words, ‘don’t let anything happening at home affect your studies’, became my anchor – the sentence I held on to on the days I felt like collapsing. 

“These words were her blessing. They reminded me that she wanted my future to be bigger than my pain. I worked with her voice in my heart, and it carried me through the darkest moments.

“Every assignment, every painful day, every early morning – I carried her with me. Graduation became more than a ceremony; it became a promise I made to her, and to myself.”

Blessed with dogged determination, Moagi refused to surrender to trauma, fear, or pain. Instead, she decided to rise again each time and keep moving, even if it was slowly, gently, or tearfully.

“Knowing there were people who believed in me also gave me the courage to go on. Continuing with my studies became my way of honouring my mother and carrying her dream forward.”

Moagi says her faith reassured her that she wasn’t facing her darkest moments of injury and loss alone.

“On days when I felt empty, prayer carried me. On days when I felt alone, I felt my mother and my ancestors walking beside me. And even on days when God felt far, I held on to the quiet assurance that I was not walking this journey by myself. Faith reminded me that my story is guided, protected, and far bigger than the pain I’ve lived through.”

Support system

She is also grateful to her friends, classmates, lecturers, and the SU for helping her across the finish line.

“My support system was incredibly strong. I was dependent on my mates in my residence for simple tasks like dressing, bathing, and preparing food. My friends fetched me every day, carried my bags, and walked me to class.

“Two of my closest friends were fellow classmates, and they supported me using the same principles we learn in occupational therapy – encouraging independence while assisting where needed. 

“They were my biggest hype men; on the day I finally walked without crutches, they celebrated loudly even though I was still limping. Their support wasn’t just physical. Their presence, their listening ears, and their constant reminders that I was strong played a huge role in rebuilding my confidence and independence.”

Moagi adds that everyone in the Division of Occupational Therapy lent a hand, and that she also made use of the services offered by the Centre for Student Counselling and Development (CSCD).

“The Division of Occupational Therapy supported me from the day of my injury. Lecturers and staff visited me, brought gifts, checked on me, and made sure I always felt held. Dr Susan de Klerk and Karen Ferreira, in particular, walked closely with me, but honestly, the whole Division showed up till the last day – and those relationships extended far beyond academics. An-Maree Nel at the CSCD checked on me on days I had court hearings, and both before and after my mother’s passing.”

Growth

Looking back on a challenging year, Moagi says she is proud of herself for showing up every day, for smiling, engaging with patients, being a friend and a sister and passing every assessment. 

She refuses to see herself as a victim.

“I am not a victim of what happened to me. I am a testament to healing, strength, and transformation. Walking across the stage at graduation means I am leaving behind the belief that my experiences were barriers and stepping forward knowing they became the very foundation of my growth.”

Moagi believes her experiences have also influenced the kind of occupational therapist she hopes to become.

“My experiences have made me more empathetic, more patient, and more attuned to hidden pain. I want to be the kind of occupational therapist who sees the whole person, not just their diagnosis, and who understands that resilience looks different for everyone.”

And what’s her message to other students facing trauma, grief, or overwhelming challenges?

“I hope they know that their pain does not disqualify them from rising. Healing isn’t linear, and strength doesn’t always look loud — sometimes it’s just choosing to try again tomorrow. It’s okay to lean on others, to rest, to cry, and to move slowly. What matters is that you don’t let your challenges convince you that you’re unworthy of your goals. 

“You can carry your wounds and still walk toward your future. Your story doesn’t end with what happened to you — it continues with how you choose to rebuild. And you are allowed to rebuild gently.”

Next year, Moagi will do her community service at Potchefstroom Hospital.