Cloetesville resident goes from cleaner to graduate

Aerolene Griebelaar’s journey from cleaning the corridors of Stellenbosch University (SU) to crossing the stage at graduation has been nothing short of inspiring. After years of juggling work, her family and her studies, Ms Griebelaar received her Bachelor of Theology degree on Friday December 13.

Ms Griebelaar, a mother of two from Cloetesville, has spent the past seven years navigating a gruelling schedule to complete her studies. As a cleaner at the University, a position she has held since 2017, her workday starts at 7am and ends at 4pm. To get through her academic schedule, she attended online classes after work, from 6pm to 8pm.

Her academic journey, motivated by her deep interest in understanding faith and spirituality, began when she enrolled in SU’s part-time Bachelor of Theology programme. “My interest in theology started at an early age. At 15, feeling a calling that shaped my life as a young adult, I decided to join a Pentecostal church. I pursued self-study and became actively involved in church community activities, initially aspiring to become a social worker. However, those plans did not work out,” she explains.

“My duties saw me transition to the Faculty of Theology in 2019. Dean Professor Reggie Nel approached me about a part-time programme and encouraged me to consider applying for it. Intrigued, I decided to try it, marking the start of a new chapter in my journey.”

Professor Nel is full of praise for his student’s success. “I remember her positive work ethic in the buildings of the Theology Faculty as a cleaner. She did her work with so much dignity and joy. But she also aspired to playing a more significant role in society. The fact that she was already working fulltime with a lovely family, did not hold her back in terms of her greater calling in life.”

He says the newly implemented bachelor’s in theology part-time hybrid programme was the ideal gateway for Ms Griebelaar as it was designed to offer access and pathways for potential older students.

“She grasped the invitation and initiative with both hands and an open heart. What we see this week, when she graduates from SU with a degree, is solely due to her hard work and perseverance. And as she has plans to further her studies, we wish her success in living out her calling. She inspires all of us. She resets boundaries. She is imagining and creating new futures,” he said.

Ms Griebelaar managed her studies while raising her two children – Chelsea Joy, aged eight, and Caleb-Josh, aged 17 – with the unwavering support of her husband, Charlton. Balancing her responsibilities, however, has not been without challenges. Managing the demands of a full-time job, parenting and evening studies required discipline and perseverance.

“Some days were extremely challenging, as my two children also needed attention for their schoolwork. I had to find a way to assist them while attending my own classes. The kitchen became the best solution: I placed my laptop on the microwave to join class, my son worked at the kitchen counter, and my daughter used the freezer as her desk. This allowed me to help them while cooking on the gas stove,” she recalls.

“My husband was amazing. He supported me by getting the kids ready in the mornings and dropping them at school, as I was already at work by the time they woke up. Some evenings, I stayed on campus until 11pm to finish my assignments. Weekends were spent at venues such as the Jan Mouton Learning Centre or the Theology computer lab. Free time became a thing of the past.”

In addition to the support she received from her family, Ms Griebelaar credits her determination and time management skills as critical to her success

Despite the obstacles, she remained steadfast in her goal; finding moments of joy and learning throughout the process. “This degree is more than a qualification. This journey has brought me closer to God. It has opened new worlds and improved my outlook on life and myself. I have discovered my identity – who and what I am,” she proudly reveals.

“I see it as an outstanding achievement and one of the highlights of my life. Receiving this degree is a great privilege. Even though it came at a cost, at the end of the day, it was well worth it.”

Looking ahead, Ms Griebelaar aspires to continue a community project she initiated during her studies. “AG Empowerment continues to thrive, and I am currently working with a group of young people in the community to foster growth and development. Looking ahead, I aim to explore opportunities in counselling and establish a practice from my home. This venture would allow me to provide funeral services and officiate marriages, offering valuable services directly to the community,” she says.

“However, my goal will always remain focused on making meaningful contributions to the well-being of those around me.”