For the Wessels family, the University of Pretoria (UP) is more than a place of learning – it’s where dreams were forged, bonds deepened, and resilience tested. Siblings Cézanne and Stian Wessels, along with Stian’s now wife, Lara du Plessis, each took different academic paths at UP, but their journeys intertwined in ways that would shape their lives forever.

“To have had the opportunity to study at all was a massive privilege for both my brother and me,” recalls Cézanne, who graduated with her BCom in Entrepreneurship in 2024. “Being at UP at the same time meant more shared moments, more Sunday lunches at home, and more memories together. It’s also where I gained a sister and best friend in Lara.”

Three degrees, three faculties, one family moment

Stian’s path wasn’t straightforward, but his determination never wavered. After completing his BScAgric Animal Science in 2019 and graduating during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, he kept on pursuing his dream of studying Veterinary Science. His persistence paid off, and in 2024 he proudly graduated from UP’s Faculty of Veterinary Science alongside Lara, who also completed her degree that year.

“It’s hard to put into words what it felt like to graduate together across three different faculties,” Cézanne says. “We each walked such different, yet equally challenging, paths. That day was a celebration of everything we’d worked through individually and together.”

The siblings’ later years at UP were marked by triumph and trial. When their father fell critically ill during exam season, they rallied around each other – even studying late into the night in hospital waiting rooms. Lara’s unwavering support was a pillar during this time. She organised prayer groups, launched a BackaBuddy fundraiser, and made sure the family had the emotional and practical support they needed. “Her faith and courage carried us,” Cézanne says.

From “Koeksisters” to Careers

Known on campus as the inseparable “Koeksisters”, the trio balanced healthy competition with constant support. “Whether it was a failed test, a missed opportunity, or a long walk after class, we were there for each other,” Cézanne explains.

Today, their lives have branched into new but equally meaningful directions. Cézanne lives and works in Stellenbosch as Client Relations & Hospitality Manager at De Toren Private Cellar, crafting premium hospitality experiences. Stian and Lara have stepped into the demanding but rewarding world of veterinary practice, united by their shared love for animals and dedication to their profession.

Lessons in resilience and legacy

For Cézanne, the transition from student to professional has been a journey of its own. “Have grace with yourself,” she advises current final-year students. “The transition can feel overwhelming. You don’t need to have it all figured out immediately. Strive for excellence, but remember to live your life too.”

Her long-term dream is to own a boutique hotel that not only offers guests luxury but also creates meaningful opportunities for its staff. “Hospitality is about more than luxury; it’s about impact.”

At De Toren, Cézanne sees that impact in action – from empowering vineyard workers through skills development to fostering sustainable agricultural practices. “Every decision we make ripples into someone else’s tomorrow. It’s about legacy.”

Making today matter

The Wessels family’s UP story is one of second chances, perseverance, and deep-rooted faith. “We had every odd stacked against us – financial, emotional, academic – but our faith was always bigger,” Cézanne says. “UP was where we faced some of our hardest battles, and also celebrated our greatest victories.”

Her message to the next generation of UP graduates is simple yet profound: “Don’t underestimate the power of perseverance and community. Dreams aren’t always linear, but if you stay true to your values and lift others as you rise, you’ll create change that lasts.”

From the lecture halls of UP to careers making a difference in communities, the Wessels siblings prove that education is not just about earning a degree – it’s about building a legacy.