As Durban University of Technology (DUT) prepares to celebrate its Spring Graduation, Gabriella Straub, 26, is preparing to graduate with a Master’s degree in Chiropractic from the Faculty of Health Sciences.

Born in Polokwane, Limpopo, Gabriella spent part of her schooling in Ghana before returning to South Africa to continue her education.

For Gabriella, completing her Master’s degree represents more than an academic achievement. She is the first person in her family to reach this level of education, making the milestone particularly meaningful.

“I have been given an opportunity that my parents never had, and I am deeply grateful for the sacrifices, encouragement and support that have helped me reach this point,” she said.

Her postgraduate journey was not without challenges. Delays in responses and the processing of certain aspects of her research resulted in changes to her timelines, meaning that the journey took longer than she had initially anticipated.

“Although challenging, this taught me patience, adaptability and perseverance. I learned to work with new timelines, remain focused on my goal and continue moving forward even when things did not go according to plan,” she said.

Gabriella’s research focused on the role of clinical exposure in the development of healthcare professionals. Her study, titled Experiences of Chiropractic Students on the Clinical Observer Programme at a University of Technology in KwaZulu-Natal, explored the experiences of chiropractic students participating in the Clinical Observer Programme.

While chiropractic students develop extensive theoretical and clinical knowledge through their studies, exposure to real-world patient care and professional interactions provides an additional learning experience.

Her research highlighted the strengths of the Clinical Observer Programme while also identifying potential areas for improvement in chiropractic education and student development.

Reflecting on her journey, Gabriella encouraged students to believe in themselves and remain committed to their goals, even when their studies become challenging or take longer than expected.

She urged students to remain open to learning, take ownership of their journeys and make the most of every opportunity available to them.

“When circumstances change, adapt and keep moving forward rather than allowing setbacks to define your journey. Success does not always happen according to the timeline we imagine, but with patience, perseverance and a positive mindset, the journey can be just as meaningful as the achievement itself,” she advised.

Her academic journey has also strengthened her vision for the future. Gabriella hopes to establish her own chiropractic practice in Polokwane, where she wants to provide accessible, patient-centred care to a community with limited exposure to chiropractic services.

“I hope to build a practice where people feel heard, respected and well cared for, while making a meaningful difference in the health and wellbeing of children, families and the broader community,” she said.

As she prepares to graduate, Gabriella expressed her gratitude to the lecturers, supervisors, colleagues, friends and family members who supported and encouraged her throughout her journey.

Her story is not only about reaching a significant academic milestone. It is also about using education to create opportunities, serve others and make a meaningful difference in the community she calls home.

Pictured: Master’s graduand, Gabriella Straub.

Picture: Supplied.

Nosihle Mthembu