Caitlin Leigh Sampson proved last month that endurance knows no bounds. (Photo: Henk Oets)
“Looking back, it really felt like every possible obstacle was put in my way as I tried to complete this degree. However, I was determined to finish what I started.”
So says Caitlin Leigh Sampson, who proved last month that endurance knows no bounds. Despite profound personal loss, a serious accident and the demands of motherhood, she received her master’s degree cum laude in animal science at Stellenbosch University (SU) – only three weeks after the arrival of her second child.
Sampson grew up in Kuilsrivier and already as a learner at Kuilsrivier Primary School and De Kuilen High School dreamed of one day practicing as a veterinarian. Although the University of Pretoria accepted her for this field of study, financial constraints forced her to temporarily put her dreams aside.
Deferred dreams become new paths
After she was forced to take a gap year, a new door opened for her at SU. She discovered that animal science is an ideal entry route to continue living out her passion for animals.
“It was disappointing at that stage not to be able to go to Pretoria,” she recalls. “But when I look back today, I can see how that disappointment led me exactly to where I needed to be.”
Her love for animals was nurtured from an early age by her late grandmother, while her academic ambition was inspired by her eldest sister – the first in her family to obtain a master’s degree.
“She showed me what was possible. Her strength and determination have always motivated me to keep pushing forward, even when the going got tough.”
Ordeal on the road to Oudtshoorn
However, Sampson’s post-graduate journey was anything but straightforward. Due to delays in accessing animals for her research trials, she had to apply for an extension.
Her path took an unexpected turn early last year when a kudu ran in front of her car while she was on her way to Oudtshoorn for research. It was a serious accident and she suffered particularly severe injuries to her hands.
“Simple tasks such as opening a bottle, tying buttons or typing were extremely difficult,” she says.
Due to the severity of her injuries, she could no longer cope independently and had to return to her parents’ home in Cape Town, after which she had to apply for a second extension.
Personal loss and new life
While undergoing medical tests to determine the damage to her hands, she discovered she was pregnant. This meant that essential medical procedures had to be postponed, which only added to the uncertainty.
In the midst of these physical challenges, the grief also struck on a personal level. She first had to say goodbye to her beloved dog of 16 years, and shortly afterwards her grandmother – the woman who played such a decisive role in her love for animals – passed away.
Her first child was born during this time, and just two months later she found out she was pregnant again.
However, Sampson refused to give up. She was 39 weeks and four days pregnant when she completed her thesis and fulfilled the final requirements for her degree to pass cum laude. She welcomed her second baby on March 5.
Message of hope
Sampson plans to devote the coming year to her family, as she prepares to share her research at scientific conferences.
“This time will now allow me to rest and recover, and to spend an invaluable year with my children before embarking on my professional career.”
For her, this achievement is about more than just academics; it’s about the example she sets for her children.
“When I reflect on my journey, I hope to convey a message of resilience to my children. Life will bring hardship and challenges, but when God remains the foundation, you are strengthened to rise above every obstacle and chase the dreams that are meant for you.
“I really hope my story encourages someone else to keep going too.”