Serurubele Stone's graduation story began years ago, working 12-hour shifts as a security officer while studying towards obtaining a degree. During Unisa's recent  graduations, she returned to South Africa from Canberra, Australia, to receive a Postgraduate Diploma in Education, graduating with distinction. Before she stepped on the stage, her unique "Unisa dress" caught the attention of those around her.

Originally from Vereeniging, Serurubele moved to Australia in 2024, where she works in early childhood education. Her passion for helping children learn and grow inspired her to pursue a career in teaching, and Unisa’s flexible distance-learning model made it possible to continue her studies while building a new life abroad.

Serurubele Stone

Graduating with distinction is a milestone she attributes not to perfection, but to consistency. Careful planning, disciplined study habits, the support of family and friends, and a strong faith carried her through the demanding balance of full-time work, family responsibilities and academic commitments. Many evenings and weekends were devoted to studying, but she never lost sight of her goal.

But Serurubele's journey began long before her move to Australia. Before entering the education sector, she worked as a security officer, completing her first Unisa degree while working demanding 12-hour shifts from Monday to Friday. It was a period that required perseverance and sacrifice, but it laid the foundation for everything that followed. Today, she proudly reflects on earning her first degree at the age of 42 and her second qualification, with distinction, at the age of 45. One of the highlights of her graduation was the red dress she designed especially for the occasion. Beautifully displaying the word "Unisa," the dress was a heartfelt tribute to the institution that allowed her to change her life.

"Unisa gave me a chance to study and better my life," she says. "I wanted the dress to send a message that education is something to celebrate and that every graduate should wear their achievement with pride."

For Serurubele, the greatest lesson from her academic journey is discovering just how resilient she is. Her advice to current and future students is both simple and powerful: "Believe in yourself, remain consistent, ask for help when needed, and never compare your journey to anyone else's. Every small step brings you closer to your dreams."

As a proud Unisa alumna, Serurubele hopes to remain connected to the university by encouraging future students and sharing her story of hope. Her journey is a powerful reminder that no dream has an expiry date, no distance is too great, and no obstacle is insurmountable when determination leads the way.

* By Cilla Boucher, Alumni Relations Officer, DIA