Amongst the graduands at Southern Institute of Technology’s 2024 Graduation Ceremony tomorrow will be husband and wife, Francois and Anel Swarts, who are graduating together and with the same qualification, the New Zealand Diploma in Business (Level 6) (Leadership and Management Strand).
Originally from South Africa, the couple have lived in the south for eight years, starting out in Central Otago. Coincidentally, they moved to Invercargill for work opportunities before discovering SIT’s Distance Learning faculty, SIT2LRN. Being able to achieve their desired study goals online from home was convenient with both working full-time; Mrs Swarts in the healthcare industry and Mr Swarts in construction.
Mrs Swarts acknowledged there were positives and negatives to tackling their studies at the same time. “Balancing full-time work and part-time study was particularly challenging for us as we had to navigate the demands of our jobs, academic responsibilities and household chores, often leaving little time for
relaxation.”
However, there were a number of advantages as well. They were able to plan their schedules together to stay on track and meet assessment deadlines. “This reduced some stress for both of us when either of us struggled more with a learning module, the other one usually had a better understanding of it,” she explained.
“...we could encourage each other when one or the other didn't feel motivated, making it easier to stick to assignment schedules.”
Coming from contrasting sectors, it was also interesting to see how they each thought differently about assignments. “We could also identify our strengths and weaknesses and help each other grow.” And she admitted there was some healthy competition between them. “We challenged one another ... to see who did better in assignments.”
Mrs Swarts encouraged prospective students to “have a chat to the helpful team at SIT if you’re trying to find a course that would be suitable for you”, adding that throughout their time studying, it wasn’t difficult to get help or navigate their way on the online portal. “Give it a go, it is challenging but very rewarding.”
It was serendipitous that Mrs Swarts’ parents are currently visiting from South Africa to spend Christmas with the couple. “It worked out well that they came over [in time for] our graduation ceremony.” The family will celebrate with a picnic on the beach (weather permitting) or will go out for dinner in the evening.