Oprah Winfrey's Leadership Academy for Girls' first doctorate graduate

Where were you when Oprah Winfrey opened the Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa (OWLAG)? It was in 2007 - 14 years ago - and there we have the first Ph.D. student walking down the aisle. Enter Dr Lindiwe Tsope!

What an inspiring story and such a go-getter. During her eight-year tenor at Rhodes University, "Tsope fulfilled several roles, including a tutor, mentor, teacher’s assistant, lecturer, and honours supervisor." The lady with many hats and the papers to prove it. 

Read more: Oprah Winfrey shares titbits from her childhood!

"Tsope’s journey to attaining her Ph.D. was not an easy one. In the year 2020, which was her final year, she faced some serious challenges to her research due to the COVID-19 lockdown regulations, which left her limited in some areas. It was during this challenging time that she considered extending her degree by one more year. However, after much-needed support and encouragement from her peers and colleagues, she found the will to push herself and complete her journey within the designated time," Rhodes University News revealed.

It never ceases to amaze us when we hear stories about South Africans pushing through during tough times. We can all attest to the difficult circumstances that we all have had to go through. Sometimes we don't get to talk about it, but remember this, we understand and you are not alone. 

Read more: Sheldon Cooper is that you? Twelve-year-old boy graduates college!

Let's use Lindiwe's story as a motivation for getting through tough times by picking ourselves up and pushing through. 

Tsope spoke about how receiving encouragement and inspirational words from colleagues and family helped her find the ability to steer through the difficulties that were imposed by COVID-19. 

Tsope also expressed her deep and heartfelt gratitude to her OWLAG family, with special thanks going to Oprah Winfrey, the “driver” of her dreams.

Image Courtesy of Facebook