71-year-old graduate says 'you are never too old to have a dream'

Once you decide to pursue higher education, you have to prepare yourself to make a myriad of sacrifices in order to reach your academic goals. You may need to maintain a part-time job, give up some luxuries or even spend less time with your family - but in the end, it is all worth it.  

For Elizabeth Martiny, working while studying was the least of the obstacles she faced in pursuit of a PhD.

Elizabeth had a full-time job and the added responsibilities of running a therapy practice at the time that she decided to pursue a PhD. At the time, Elizabeth was 61, and worried about not being able to keep up with the academic commitments involved in studying for a PhD.

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Her age or her commitments did not deter her, and she spent the next ten years dedicating herself to mastering the research skills needed to complete the degree at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). Elizabeth told Huffington Post: "I had to have strong discipline. I had to set myself goals and tell myself that every week I had to accomplish so much — and perseverance was key".

Elizabeth combined all her areas of interest - gender equality, theology, psychology, and the lived experiences of people with disabilities - and produced a dissertation. As a person with a physical disability herself, Elizabeth wanted to do research that would add value to the lives of women living with disabilities. 

Dr Elizabeth Martiny graduated from UKZN with a PhD in Religion and Theology, saying: "I really encourage adults to study, because in the end, it becomes worth it. You can have a dream even when you're older."

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