Schaedenet Fonseca spent years trying to escape her calling to teach.
“Coming from an education background, with both my parents involved in the field, it’s definitely something that chose me,” she reflects.
“Even with that knowledge, I still tried to run from it. But life has a funny way of guiding you back.”
When she first applied for university, Schaedenet chose a chiropractic course in UJ’s Department of Health Sciences. However, fate had other plans.
“I missed the email inviting me to the interview for Chiropractic. I later submitted a late application for Educational Psychology (BEd Psychology) and was accepted. Only after that did I see the missed meeting request. It’s as if the path I tried to avoid still found me—and I’m thriving.”
Schaedenet enrolled in 2020, just as the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted university life globally.
“The first few months of undergrad were amazing—then everything changed. Transitioning from high school to self-directed learning was tough, but I’m grateful for UJ’s resources and the support system I had around me.”
Schaedenet’s studies in senior phase education meant she didn’t cross paths with her mother who lectures in the primary school programme.
“I don’t think I could look her in the eye if she was standing in front of me in a lecture hall,” she laughs.
After completing her Bachelor of Education (Senior and FET Phase), majoring in psychology, Schaedenet went on to complete her Honours degree in Educational Psychology, graduating in April 2025.
“I’ve always felt I had big shoes to fill. My mother has a PhD, and I’d sometimes feel like I hadn’t achieved enough. But I’m just getting started. She inspires me to go further.”
Both of her graduation ceremonies were emotional milestones.
“Each one was a reminder of how far I’ve come and who I’m becoming. There’s still so much more ahead of me. I was overwhelmed with pride—and so were my parents.”
Dr Fonseca, who attended Schaedenet’s ceremony as both a mother and staff member, expressed her joy:
“Attending the graduation of your own child as a staff member is an incredibly rewarding feeling. I am happy that Schaedenet is carving her own path in education and is committed to pursuing her interest in neurodiversity in education. She has a unique positive energy when working with young children and adolescents.”
Schaedenet is currently teaching at a girls’ high school, but her long-term goal is to practise educational psychology full time. She has applied for her Master’s degree and is passionate about using her skills to support underprivileged learners.
“I’ve always been drawn to psychology. I’ve developed a love for neurodiversity and neurodevelopment, and I want to make a difference—to leave an imprint.”
Looking back, she is grateful for the example her mother has set.
“She’s paved the way for me. Now, it’s up to me to live up to that legacy—in my own way.”
