For us, Tuks is the best university in Pretoria and South Africa. These are the words of Lilith Holworthy, who says being born and bred in Pretoria made the University of Pretoria (UP) an obvious choice. Her work relationship with UP for over two decades instilled an intimate knowledge of the institution’s high work ethic and professionalism – all attributes that made her and her children’s choice very simple.

“I was already in the workplace when I started my studies at Tuks. To achieve a university degree was always on my bucket list and it was certainly an opportunity I could not dare miss. My children had no option but to enrol for their respective degrees as I have always instilled independence in my girls. Plus, without a higher institution qualification, life is just too challenging. Thanks to them for living up to my expectations.”

Lilith has a BAdmin in Public Administration (2019). Lauren, her eldest daughter, graduated with a BEd Intermediate Phase (2018) and is currently teaching English (Grade 4) at Lynnwood Ridge Primary School. Her youngest daughter, Lesley-Ann, is in the third year of her BEd Senior Phase, also at UP.

She says she encouraged her children to study at UP based on her staff and student experiences, which have many highs. “I could write a book about my experiences at UP. In many instances, the institution has moulded me into the person I am today.”

However, she acknowledges that it was not a smooth ride. The huge volume of work and the effective time management of being a mother and student at the same time was certainly a challenge, but the wonderful world of Public Administration that was introduced to her remains one of her biggest highlights at Tuks.

Lauren says her journey at UP was a roller coaster ride. The ups were amazing and life changing. “I met new people from near and far and they affected and influenced my life in positive ways. The downfalls were there, but nothing that UP could not assist with. Learning to grow as an individual is something huge when you become a student, especially when facing challenges, but more importantly thriving from them as well.” She says her fondest memories were learning about herself and the profession she is currently in, and knowing that she did not make a mistake in her choice. “I am a proud educator,” she says.

Lauren is currently pursuing a postgraduate diploma in entrepreneurship. She says learning is a journey that humans should inculcate in themselves. “That will ensure that this generation and future generations are agile and adaptable for this fast-changing world and its challenges.”

Lesley-Ann says online classes have been an amazing experience for her as they eliminate travel time as well as time spent on campus waiting for hours between classes. “I enjoy attending online lectures in the comfort of my own home, I can hear and see the lecturer clearly whereas in contact lectures one is sometimes seated at the back. Online lectures come in handy when one does not understand the lecture in class, you can access the lesson afterwards as it gets recorded and uploaded. Lecturers have also gone out of their way to post extra notes and ensured we all understand. I have found that I am in better health in terms of sleep and exercise, as well as better grades, because I can spend more time on my academics thanks to online learning. I have got one year left at UP and I can definitely say UP is the place to be.”