Source: Eastern Institute of Technology
11 minutes ago
After working in South Africa for nearly 18 years and putting her studies on hold when her daughter became seriously ill, Chantel Delport is now halfway through a Bachelor of Accounting at EIT.
The 36-year-old mother of three moved to New Zealand with her husband Quentin and their children in 2019, following a difficult period that saw her prioritise family over formal study.
“I did begin my studies back home in South Africa, but due to a serious family health scare involving my daughter, I wasn’t able to sit my exams,” Chantel says.
“At that time, my children became my top priority, and I put my studies on hold.”
While settling into a new life in Hawke’s Bay, Chantel continued with some online learning and worked in accounts and admin. She had already been a bookkeeper since 2007, something she says she loved from the beginning, but she was ready to take her skills further.
“Over the years I completed various online courses, but none were NZQA-approved. I really wanted to take my skills to the next level.”
Chantel says she chose EIT because she wanted to study in a real classroom environment where she could engage directly with lecturers. Although she was nervous at first about returning to study, she quickly found she was not alone.
“I thought I’d be the oldest student on campus, but I was pleasantly surprised to find many people my age also pursuing education and self-improvement.”
She says smaller class sizes at EIT have allowed her to ask more questions and form meaningful connections with both classmates and lecturers.
“My lecturers have been incredibly understanding and supportive, especially as I juggle life as a mum of three, one of whom has ongoing health challenges.”
Chantel still works part-time in accounts and admin while studying. She says finding balance has not always been easy, but it has been worth it.
“There have been plenty of exhausting days where I questioned whether I could keep going, but the personal satisfaction and sense of achievement have kept me moving forward.”
Her long-term goal is to become a Chartered Accountant and potentially explore forensic accounting in future.
To others considering a return to study later in life, she has a simple message: “Don’t let age stop you.”
“It’s never too late to pursue the education you’ve always dreamed of or to aim for the career and pay you deserve. You are absolutely worth it.”
Gareth Allison, EIT’s Head of the School of Business, said: “Chantel’s journey is a powerful reminder that perseverance can overcome even the toughest challenges”.
“We are proud to support students like her who balance family, work, and study. At EIT, we believe education is a lifelong pursuit, and Chantel’s success is an inspiration to all who aspire to reach their goals.”
