MOSSEL BAY NEWS - The deputy principal: academic services at the South Cape TVET College, Tercia Terblanche, grew up in Tarka in Mossel Bay and was raised by her grandparents.
Although there was not much money to spare and the family could not afford to pay for her to study at university, she was always urged to work hard and make the most of herself.
Tercia attained a bursary for her tertiary studies. A dyed-in-the-wool academic, who describes herself as a perpetual student who loves studying, Tercia now has a PhD under her belt.
Linda Sparg asked her about her professional and family life.
When did you obtain your Doctor of Philosophy?
It was on 5 December 2017, at the University of Stellenbosch. I completed my PhD after working on it through distance learning over a period of five to six years
What was the topic of your thesis?
Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges in South Africa: a framework for leading curriculum change.
What does your role at the South Cape College entail in practical terms - day to day?
I'm responsible for ensuring quality teaching and learning of all academic qualifications across the six campuses; effective campus management and services; the best student support and development services possible; and effective student administration and examination services.
Which advice would you give to those who wish to become academics?
Become lifelong learners. Learning is a journey and not a marathon, hence you should not be impatient or too harsh on yourself. Set realistic, achievable goals. Persevere and remain disciplined and focused in your quest to gain or generate new knowledge.
Don't ever quit when you fail or experience challenges along the way.
What did you want to be one day when you were a child?
I was not really sure. I guess at some stage all of us wanted to become teachers, since we admired our teachers as role models.
I also remember, as children we used to play "school" over weekends. I happened to always take the role of the teacher and my friends were the learners.
Although in high school, I thought of becoming an attorney, unfortunately in those years bursaries were not available and I had to study teaching since I was awarded a full bursary.
Looking back now, I know that I made the right career choice, because I enjoy my job, while passionately contributing to youth development in our country through TVET.
You grew up in Tarka. Who in the community influenced your dreams and goals the most?
Although we did not have much to live on, I only have fond memories of the people and close-knit family and friends in Tarka.
I was raised by my late grandparents, Lesley and Sarah du Plessis and they motivated and influenced me most "to study hard" and "to become something one day".
My school teachers at both All Saints Primary and Hillcrest Secondary School were also instrumental in my academic development and they supported me in more ways than I can mention.
When did you leave Mossel Bay?
When I was 18 years old, just after matric.
How long have you been in George?
This year it is 14 years.
What are your hobbies and what do you do to relax?
Reading and more reading - sometimes magazines but most times academic books.
Also, camping in Mossel Bay, my favourite holiday destination and the best place in the world.
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