“Ms Motitimi Palesa Girlmore, the sole Bachelor of Nursing graduate, embodies resilience, her journey of delayed dreams and triumph inspires perseverance.”
23 September 2025 | Story By: Ngomane Gracious | Picture: Sifiso Nomzaza
2 minutes read time.
At the Vaal University of Technology’s (VUT) 2025 Spring Graduation, one graduate captured the attention of the entire hall. Among hundreds of gowns and proud families, Ms Motitimi Palesa Girlmore walked across the stage as the only Bachelor of Nursing graduate in the Faculty of Applied Sciences. Her moment was not just a personal victory but a symbol of resilience, perseverance, and the courage to hold on to a dream even when the road seemed impossibly long.
For Ms Motitimi, nursing was more than a career choice; it was a calling. She began her studies at UKWAZI in Potchefstroom, driven by a deep passion for healthcare. But life had other plans. When she joined VUT in 2017, the institution had not yet launched its nursing programme. Refusing to abandon her dream, she enrolled in mathematics and science courses instead, laying the foundation and waiting patiently for the day she could resume her nursing studies.
When VUT finally introduced the nursing degree, Ms Motitimi seized the opportunity with both hands. Yet the path ahead was far from smooth. Financial strain, academic demands, and personal struggles tested her resolve. She openly admits there were times she felt close to giving up. “I fell, I rose, and I conquered,” she said with quiet pride, her words capturing the essence of her journey.
One of her biggest battles was peer pressure, a challenge faced by many students. Rather than hiding her struggles, she turned to her lecturer for guidance. That moment of vulnerability became a turning point. Through encouragement, understanding, and practical support, she regained her confidence and pressed forward with determination.
Looking back, Ms Motitimi recognises that her journey was about more than earning a degree. It was about proving to herself, and to others, that persistence pays off. She carries a message for fellow students and graduates who may find themselves at breaking point:
“We go through the most, and our challenges come in many ways. It is essential to remember the purpose of what you came here for. Stand up and continue with your journey.”
Her achievement also holds significance for VUT. As one of the first students to complete the nursing programme, she represents both the growth of the institution and its role in preparing healthcare professionals for South Africa’s future.
In the end, Ms Motitimi’s graduation was not just a ceremony; it was the fulfilment of a dream long deferred yet never abandoned. Her walk across the stage reminds us that success is not always about how quickly you arrive but about having the courage to keep moving, even when the path is steep.