Although Michaela Hardstone loved biology and human sciences at school, she never imagined herself being a chiropractor, a professional identity she is now to wear after completing the Bachelor of Health Sciences in Chiropractic degree.

“If you had asked me then if I would go into anything like chiropractic, I probably would have laughed,” shared Hardstone after being informed that she had done extraordinarily well in her studies.

The 25-year-old Durban-born Hardstone was given the Dean’s Merit award for her Bachelor of Health Sciences in Chiropractic, upon graduating at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) 2024 Autumn Graduation season. She is her cohort’s top student in the degree programme. She felt honoured to hear that she had received this highly prestigious award.

“I have always tried my best in terms of academics. It feels amazing to know my hard work paid off and I have reached this goal of mine,” says Hardstone.

She began her university journey in 2020, and just as she was getting familiar with the environment, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted everything.  She confessed that it was tough adjusting to studying at home whilst her practice-oriented programme required her to be hands-on.

“As excited as I was for my new student life, the COVID-19 pandemic had other plans for all of us,” says Hardstone, adding that she is proud of all her classmates for making it through and excelling in many ways.

Currently, she is completing her Master of Health Sciences degree at DUT. She is majoring in chiropractic. Hardstone says that as a health professional she embraces the DUT values of honesty, integrity, and respect.

Hardstone thanks the chiropractic departmental staff members who have shared their valuable expertise. She is also grateful for the endless support from her parents, sister, and boyfriend during this demanding study programme.

Pictured: Michaela Hardstone

Enzokuhle Sabela