It was a family affair at the University of KwaZulu-Natal graduation in Pietermaritzburg for the Magwanyana family when three members achieved masters in education. Philisiwe, her brother Thandokuhle and his wife Mandy graduated with masters in education in the Teacher Development Studies discipline.

Said Philisiwe, ‘My Masters journey was amazing. It was not easy as there were challenges which I managed to overcome with the support of my family and my supervisor, Dr Jaqueline Naidoo. This journey taught me a lot: to be patient, to read every day, to be a lifelong learner, to believe in myself and to understand how my past experiences influence the teacher I am today. Most importantly, I realised the importance of teacher identity in teaching.’