The turning point came when among her mother’s cleaning clients pointed out a secretarial job opening at the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa.
Using the IT abilities she had actually gotten earlier, Millicent got the function, and successfully got the task. For the first time, she had steady income, which enabled her to pursue her imagine making a degree.In 2003, Millicent enrolled at University of South Africa to pursue a Diploma in Information Technology.Balancing work, household
duties, and studies was challenging, particularly as she had become an income producer for her family. The journey took longer than expected, but in 2010 she finally finished the diploma.”It took long, but I did not give up since I understood my background, “she stated. Identified to go even more, she registered at Tshwane University of Innovation, where she made a Bachelor’s degree in Infotech in 2018 and a Master of Technology in Infotech in 2019. Her commitment started opening professional doors. In July 2014, Millicent signed up with the University of the Witwatersrand as a Projects and Proposal Officer in the Advancement and Fundraising Office.Every day, she would stroll past the Academic Details and Systems Unit (AISU)workplaces and silently
tell herself:”One day I will be here.” And her decision paid off. In 2019, she signed up with AISU as a Systems Assistance Specialist , and by July 2024, she was promoted to Deputy Head, ending up being a leader within among South Africa’s leading universities.With her profession advancing, Millicent chose to pursue a PhD in Education at the University of the Witwatersrand.During the COVID-19 pandemic, she saw the massive shift toward online knowing and
turned it into a research study opportunity.Her doctoral thesis, Digital Technology Made It Possible For Education: Exploring Digital Education Affordances on Student Performance, analyzed how students– particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds– adapted to digital learning throughout the pandemic.
Her research study contributes valuable insights into making higher education more inclusive and available. In July 2025, Millicent formally graduated with her PhD in Education from the University of Witswaterand.Graduation day was deeply emotional. During previous graduations, Millicent frequently sobbed due to the fact that her
mom, who had supported her dreams, passed away before seeing her achievements.But this time, she reviewed her journey differently dedicating the degree to her mom.”I started this PhD for you, Mama– however I am concluding it for my kids, she declared.And her dad
, now visually impaired, attended the ceremony and listened proudly as her name was called, a minute that symbolized triumph for the entire family.Today, Dr. Millicent is a mom of 4, a college leader, and an advocate for doctoral education amongst experts and administrative staff.She believes that PhDs ought to not be seen as something scheduled for just a few individuals.”We require to debunk PhDs as something beyond our reach.”Millicent urged young girls and women who may feel restricted by their background to think in their capability.” I want every woman and lady to know that this is possible, “she said.