2025 Optometry graduate, Liske Husselmann found her voice and future at the University of Limpopo.
By Nyeleti Mabasa – ulpublications@ul.ac.za
When Liske Husselmann (24) first arrived at the University of Limpopo (UL) in 2021 to pursue a Bachelor of Optometry degree, she encountered several challenges, including language barriers and cultural differences.
Born in KwaZulu-Natal, raised in Groblersdal, and relocating to Polokwane in 2021, Husselmann found the dominance of Sepedi and other local languages among her diverse peers overwhelming at first. It made her feel like an outsider. However, this experience became a turning point—fueling her determination to grow, embrace her journey, and build meaningful connections with others.
“I remember feeling very isolated,” she recalls. “Everyone around me was speaking languages I couldn’t understand, making it difficult to connect. I didn’t have friends at first-—it was overwhelming and lonely.”
Four years later, Liske Husselmann walked across the graduation stage during the Autumn Graduation Ceremonies in April 2025, receiving her Bachelor of Optometry degree!
“What kept me going was the dream I’ve had since Grade 7—to work in health sciences,” says Husselmann. “The early challenges made me stronger. I eventually made friends who not only welcomed me, but also taught me their languages and cultures. That transformed everything, making learning and life here not just easier, but beautiful.”
UL, having graduated many students from black communities, also welcomes students of all races and backgrounds. Husselmann’s story reflects this inclusive spirit and the University’s growing reputation for excellence in the health sciences.
Initially, Husselmann aspired to study medicine and enrolled in a BSc in Biological Sciences at a Gauteng university. However, her passion for optometry —the science of sight and vision- kept calling her back
“I’ve always been fascinated by the eyes, and I wanted to make a difference in people’s lives,” she shares. During her search for the right institution, she discovered UL. “Honestly, I didn’t know much about UL at the time. But the more I read, the more impressed I became by the impact its optometry graduates were making in the field.”
She describes her decision to join as life-changing.
“UL gave me more than just a degree, it provided resilience, friendships, mentors, and a deeper understanding of the kind of professional—and person—I want to be,” she says.
Husselmann attributes her success to her faith, supportive family, and dedicated lecturers, who helped her navigate one of the most demanding programmes at UL.
“Studying optometry is no walk in the park. There’s so much to learn in such a short time. If it wasn’t for God, my parents, and my lecturers, I don’t think I would have made it,” she admits.
One of her proudest moments came when she and two classmates represented the University’s Department of Optometry at a national research conference, presenting their work to a panel of doctors and professors—and winning first prize.
“That experience boosted my confidence and made me believe that I truly belong in this profession,” she says.
Her final-year included clinical rotations and hospital settings, where she worked with patients from diverse backgrounds.
“It pushed me out of my comfort zone and deepened my empathy,” she explains. “Studying from books is one thing, but working with real people and addressing real problems is entirely different.”
Now a graduate and already employed, Husselmann looks to the future. She plans to pursue her therapeutic qualification in 2026, followed by a Master’s in Optometry. Her ambition is matched only by her gratitude or a journey that began with uncertainty and culminated in purpose.
“To anyone who feels like they don’t belong, give it time. Embrace the challenge. You might just find your people, your passion, and your place.”