In a heartwarming celebration of academic achievement, Stellenbosch University (SU) witnessed a remarkable moment during graduation week as two members of the Pietersen triplets crossed the stage to receive their degrees, following in the footsteps of their sibling, Ivan, who graduated last year. In a strikingly individualistic display of talent, all three siblings excelled in unrelated fields, proving that distinct paths can lead to shared success.

Kirsten Pietersen graduated with top honours in Food Science, where she topped her class and earning recognition in her New Product Development project. Her brother, Liam, graduated in International Business with distinction and is set to embark on an honours degree next year. The third sibling, Ivan, was celebrated after graduating cum laude with a BSc Human Life Sciences degree and is now pursuing his dream in the MBChB programme at Tygerberg.

Their achievements, though unique, have a common foundation: their mother, Christine Pietersen, who instilled in them a strong work ethic and a belief that education is an investment in oneself. Christine recounted the challenges and joys of raising triplets on a tight budget, with an unwavering commitment to encouraging her children’s academic pursuits. She fondly recalled saying, “You have to show up,” a mantra that the siblings took to heart, rarely missing classes throughout their schooling.

Having grown up in Stellenbosch, with the support of their mother who works at Neelsie Properties on campus, the triplets found their way to SU to be a natural extension of their home life. Looking back on their upbringing, they credit their mother, a single parent who worked tirelessly to uplift them, as their greatest inspiration.

“There was never a dull moment with the three of us going through every stage of growing up, side by side,” Kirsten noted, referring to their close bond as a built-in support system. This synergy among the triplets manifested in their personal and academic lives, highlighting how their unique temperaments flourished together. While each sibling pursued distinct goals, they cherished the camaraderie that their bond provided.

For Liam, having built-in companions was both an ordinary and extraordinary experience. “Initially, I wondered what it would be like to be a single child,” he reflected. “But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve realised it would have been quite boring.” Similarly, Ivan acknowledged the accelerated development that came with sibling rivalry and support, stating, “You learn at three times the rate.” Together, they have witnessed each other’s growth, often driven to exceed expectations.

Looking into their future, the Pietersen siblings are on the brink of significant changes: Liam will pursue his honours degree while returning home; Kirsten is off to the United States for a ski resort job; and Ivan will continue deepening his medical education. Each sibling treasures their SU memories: Kirsten cherishes friendships from her time at Nerina residence, Liam recalls the joy of cheering at the Varsity Cup and late-night study sessions, and Ivan finds solace and challenge in his friendships at Simonsberg and Meerhoff residences.

As they reflected on their journey, they urged first-year students to build robust support systems, maintain discipline, and embrace their personal paths. Christine, grateful for the opportunities available to her children at SU, expressed her pride in their accomplishments. “I have never really had problems with my children. They know I am always there for them, no matter what time of day or night,” she said, her heart swelling with pride for their achievements.

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