IIE Bachelor of Laws Graduate Turns Determination Into Success

Receiving her IIE Bachelor of Laws (LLB) qualification was a “we did it” moment for Shreya Moodley who started losing her hearing at just six weeks old. As she walked across the stage at Emeris Durban North’s recent Class of 2025 graduation ceremony, she waved at her lecturers and smiled at her proud parents in the audience.

“I could not have reached this point without the push and motivation from my parents, grandparents, family, friends, audiologist, my schoolteachers and my Emeris lecturers. They are my people,” said Moodley.

She added that her journey was also inspired by the wider deaf community. “Every hearing impaired person I’ve met has motivated me. I dedicate this achievement to them and want to share with them what I’ve learnt in the past four years: ‘Don’t let your hearing disability intimidate you or hinder you from grabbing opportunities. Know that everything happens for a reason’”.

Moodley is currently serving her Articles as a Candidate Attorney and is planning on writing her Board Exams in 2027 to then qualify as an Admitted Attorney. She also hopes to pursue an IIE Master of Laws in Integrative Dispute Resolution and Advanced Litigation Techniques.

“I’m also taking every opportunity I can to pay it forward in the deaf community and to give my parents more we made it’ moments,” she said.

Moodley began losing her hearing when she was six weeks old and gradually became completely deaf in her right hear with about 45% hearing in her left ear. When she was six, she received a cochlear implant in her right ear and uses a hearing aid in her left ear. As a result, her speech did not develop until I she was seven years old.

“I lipread, which is why I’m able to communicate and engage with the world around me. My voice might not sound like everyone else’s, but it reflects every obstacle I’ve overcome to be able use it,” said Moodley.

“Throughout my studies, I had to work harder than most to succeed in classrooms and lecture rooms that were not always accessible to someone like me. I had to put extra effort in to listen, lipread, takes notes and advocate for myself. I adapted quickly and stayed focussed. Even on difficult days, I pushed forward. I knew I had something to prove, not to others, but to myself”.

One of the most difficult periods during her studies was the loss of her grandfather during her second year. “He had carried me through the year, and I passed with flying colours. He’s my guardian angel, guiding me, sending me strength and blessing me”.

Outside of her studies, Moodley enjoys music, particularly Micheal Jackson. “I was six years old when I heard him for the first time and fell in love with music. Before my hearing aid and cochlear implant, I was mesmerised by the way he moved. He continues to be part of my journey”.

On her academic journey, Moodley said she’s most proud of obtaining her degree. “From my parents being told that I will never speak and that I needed to be placed in a special needs school to me obtaining a degree in a field where I can do a whole lot of talking and potentially represent other special needs children,” she said.

Moodley said she’s most proud of completing her degree.

“From being told I would never speak and should attend a specialised school, to now earning a law degree and pursuing a legal career means everything,” she said.

She chose Emeris because she needed a learning environment that offered smaller classes and more personalised academic support.

“Through speech therapy, technology and determination, I eventually found my voice. And that’s how law chose me”.

Voreshka Gosai (Head of Law at Emeris Durban North) congratulated Moodley on her achievement. “As her lecturer, it has been an honour to witness her growth and achievements throughout her academic journey. She has inspired many through her persistence and commitment, and her graduation stands as a powerful reminder that determination and passion can overcome barriers. I have no doubt she will continue to achieve great things and make a meaningful contribution to the legal profession and to society. We are incredibly proud of her”, concluded Gosai.