As South Africa commemorates Youth Month, the University of Pretoria (UP) celebrates graduates who embody the spirit of excellence and determination. Among them is Louisa Jordaan, a recent honours graduate in Heritage and Cultural Tourism who has distinguished herself not only through academic achievements but by her dedication to pursuing her passions despite conventional expectations.

Initially aspiring to become a forensic archaeologist, Jordaan discovered that UP had discontinued the programme during her first year. Rather than allowing this setback to derail her ambitions, she embraced the opportunity to explore heritage and cultural tourism, a core module that would prove to be her calling.

“I ended up discovering that I was very good at it and enjoyed the courses very much,” Jordaan says – so much so that she pursued an honours degree in the subject. Her academic excellence culminated in her graduating with distinction and receiving the UP Museums Book Award for the best research report at honours level. 

Her diverse interests span multiple disciplines, from archaeology and anthropology to literature and music, while her proficiency in languages, including French and English, coupled with her archaeological fieldwork experience and tour guide accreditation, demonstrate the multifaceted nature of her academic achievements.

As the only child of a mother who was discouraged from pursuing higher education, Jordaan’s success represents breaking generational barriers and honouring her parents’ example of pursuing knowledge. Her father’s passing in 2011 adds poignancy to her achievements, as she believes her success brings him joy and pride from beyond.

Throughout her academic journey, Jordaan encountered challenges that tested her resolve, including health obstacles during competitive examinations. Notably, while suffering from a painful dental abscess that required strong medication, she still achieved silver in the De Beers English Olympiad in 2019. 

Her intellectual curiosity was evident from an early age, with museum visits being a favourite. This passion for cultural institutions and heritage, combined with influences from documentaries and extensive reading, shaped her academic interests and career aspirations. Her diverse early career considerations, ranging from forensic psychology to biology and music, reflect the broad intellectual engagement that would later inform her interdisciplinary approach to heritage tourism.

Faith plays a significant role in Jordaan’s perspective on her academic journey and achievements. Her Christian beliefs provide a framework for understanding her path through higher education; she views her experiences as being divinely guided, and her lecturers as instruments of support and encouragement. 

Beyond academia, Jordaan maintains a rich personal life that includes playing the electric bass, and has a preference for metal music. She also loves reading classic literature and true crime, practising traditional Chinese tea ceremonies, and engaging in outdoor activities like hiking and birdwatching. 

Her advice to aspiring students reflects her unconventional approach to success and personal development. 

“Burn the box and throw it out of the window,” she says. “Go where you want to, even if you have to go alone.”

Jordaan emphasises that high school academic performance need not determine university success, offering hope to students who may not have excelled in secondary education but possess the determination to succeed in higher education. As South Africa reflects on its youth during this commemorative month, Jordaan’s story exemplifies the potential that exists within the country’s educational institutions and the importance of supporting diverse pathways to excellence.