Emeris Graduate's Journey From Behind The Wheel To Front Of The Classroom

A former bus driver walked the Emeris Nelson Mandela Bay Class of 2025 graduation stage as a qualified teacher. At 31 years old, Kesia Kerspey made a life changing decision to return to studying and making her dream of becoming a teacher come true.

Kesia spent several years working as a bus driver transporting the patrons of Nelson Mandela Bay. Her life took a dramatic turn when she survived a horrific bus accident that almost took her life and left her physically and emotionally shaken. She did not let her trauma define her, instead she began a remarkable journey of inspiring and serving the community.

After being out of the classroom for many years, Kesia registered for the IIE Higher Certificate in Education at Emeris Nelson Mandela Bay in 2022. It helped her rebuild her confidence by giving her a second chance at pursuing her dream of becoming a teacher. Completing her certificate encouraged her to move forward and she then registered for the IIE Bachelor of Education in Intermediate Phase Teaching. “Studying again reminded me that growth takes time. It gave me purpose, structure and hope after a challenging season”, reflected Kesia.

Her parents, who dedicated their time serving the community of Booysens Park, all the way to Gelvandale in the Northern areas of Gqeberha with several charity projects, inspired her. Kesia chose to focus her Social Action Initiative on something close to her heart, creating a space that encourages reading.

Kesia was placed at St. Patrick’s RC Primary School in Humansdorp. The school had a neglected container library that was being used as a storage room. With the assistance and sponsorship of her husband, she spent hours repairing the roof, sealing windows, repainting walls and adding colourful murals she designed and painted herself to create a space that will nurture reading and learning for the learners.

“The revamped library has become a valuable learning space where our learners can read, learn, and practice for spelling bee competitions in a space more organised and supportive environment”, said a proud Mrs Amina Williams, a mentor and teacher at St. Patricks RC Primary School. “Kesia’s hard work and determination is what made this possible for the kids. The library will always be one of the most cherished assets of the school and community at large.”

“Kesia’s story is that of resilience and determination. She transformed something that looked impossible for others into something significant that will shape the minds of our little ones and the community at large”; added Warda Abrahams (Bachelor of Education lecturer Emeris Nelson Mandela Bay).

Kesia walked the Emeris Nelson Mandela graduation stage with pride. From behind the steering wheel of a bus to shaping young minds, Kesia’s story shows that purpose can often be found in unexpected places. “No matter where you start,” she says with a smile, “faith and determination can lead you exactly where you’re meant to be.”