Share

Emeli Sandé as the new chancellor of Sunderland University reminds us that it's never too late to enter into a new industry

accreditation
 Emeli Sandé poses with her award for British Female Solo Artist of the Year during the BRIT Awards 2017
Emeli Sandé poses with her award for British Female Solo Artist of the Year during the BRIT Awards 2017

Remember how in your first year of university you thought that everyone in your classes would pursue a career in what they were studying? Or how at times, we tend to think the industry in which we kicked off our career is the same one we'll be in until retirement? 

Those notions are being disproved more often these days, as this generation of young professionals is not only known for being one which is most open to job-hopping, but industry hoping too. Job/salary dissatisfaction aside, at times, this phenomenon can serve as testament to the saying that "dreams deferred are not dreams denied".

READ MORE: These tips from successful women are just what you need to hear 

The most recent example of this is 32-year-old British singer Adele Emeli Sandé, who was named as the new chancellor of Sunderland University in May, and we couldn't help but gleam with pride when we read all about it. 

The multi-platinum selling singer was officially installed at a ceremony on 10 July, BBC News reported. This comes after she was appointed MBE (Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) in 2017 for her contribution to the music industry. 

According to The Sun, the 'Sweet Architect' singer specialised in neuroscience while studying medicine at Glasgow University, but when she "took a week out of med school and went to New York [...] meeting musicians", she decided then that she "really wants [to pursue music as a career]."

The star received her intercalated degree in neuroscience from the University of Glasgow, where she was later conferred an honorary doctorate for her "outstanding contribution to the music industry" in 2013. 

READ MORE: 5 things to know about the first black woman deputy vice chancellor at Rhodes University  

Nineteen awards and 48 nominations later, Emeli is the one now capping graduates at Sunderland University - the city where she was born and the university at which her parents met, conceived her, resulting in them being unable to attend their graduation as the star's birth coincided with it.

But guess what? 

BBC News reports that at her first ceremony as chancellor, Emeli Sandé got the opportunity to confer her parents' degrees on them earlier this week. She shared the moment on Instagram, saying "Thank you Sunderland university for giving me the great honour of being your chancellor and for allowing this beautiful day with my incredible parents. The journey ahead is both powerful and beautiful. I'm so grateful for this position and opportunity."

BBC's report also added a statement from Sunderland University's vice-chancellor, Sir David Bell, who said: "Emeli breaks the mould when it comes to university chancellors.

"She is a committed advocate for social justice, gender equality and access to education [and] will be an outstanding role model for our students, graduates and staff."

READ MORE: Meet 5 of South Africa's successful black women in science - and they're under 35 

Other celebrities who have ventured into other lines of work or service include Sex and the City's Cynthia Nixon (Miranda Hobbes), who ran for New York governor in 2018, Rihanna who took a hiatus from music to create her successful Fenty empire in the fashion and beauty industries, and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air's Karyn Parsons (Hillary Banks) who was described in a Shondaland article as "something of a black public intellectual, activist, and author." 

So this news of Emeli's next step might just be the nudge you needed to pack your Suitcase and finally move Mountains in that other industry you've been dreaming about for a Lifetime.

Sign up to W24’s newsletters so you don't miss out on any of our hot stories and giveaways.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE