2026 Meet OCC Grad: Lizelle Hees

International student powers through doubt and fear to achieve lifelong dream

“I grew up in South Africa,” Lizelle said. “I showed some talent early in school, so I was invited to do more complex artistic work. I really enjoyed pastel painting and sketching, and won some awards. But by high school, I had dropped it. I didn’t do anything artsy for years.” 

After graduating, Lizelle worked as a nanny—fulfilling in its own way—but she still felt drawn to art. Determined to return to her passion, she made a bold decision: pursue a graphic design degree and move to the United States to do it. 

Coming out of her shell

“I’m a really shy, introverted person,” Lizelle said. “Navigating a new country without my parents and siblings while earning a degree was hard. I dreaded critiques. Standing in front of the class, justifying my artistic choices, while an instructor or classmate scrutinizes your work? I wanted to hide.” 

She also struggled with impostor syndrome, often comparing her work to classmates who she felt were more talented.

“I didn’t believe in myself,” she said. “I started looking into project management in the graphic design field instead of design.”

“Fortunately, my portfolio instructor stepped in. He told me he saw my potential and that I shouldn’t let my fear of failing push me away from being a designer.”

A perfect storm

That reassurance pushed Lizelle through long, exhausting days, working full-time during the day and attending classes at night. 

“I was tired and burned out most days, but I had one goal in mind: finish this degree with a bang,” she said. “In the process, I learned I can challenge myself, and I’m not limited to just what I think I can do.” 

Her resolve was tested during a particularly tough semester. Transitioning from hands-on art to digital design challenged her skills. At the same time, she lost her job and planned her wedding. 

“We didn’t have money for a wedding planner, and my parents were in South Africa, so we did everything on our own. It was very stressful,” she said. “Between school and work, and calling bakeries, restaurants and more, that semester is a blur.” 

A bittersweet milestone

Looking back, Lizelle is proud of how far she’s come. She can see how she’s improved as an artist, and she’s proud of what she’s accomplished. 

 “I’ve navigated a new country, planned a wedding, began married life and did my own immigration paperwork, and earned my graphic design degree, graduating summa cum laude,” she said. “It’s one of my greatest achievements.” 

Still, Commencement will be bittersweet. 

“I’m really excited, and my husband will be there, but my parents can’t make it,” she said. 

Still, she is optimistic about what’s ahead. After completing a design internship, she quickly landed a job as a designer at a local printing company. 

While she’s now living her dream, Lizelle isn’t done growing. 

“I’m still introverted, but also very empathetic,” she said. “I want to have the confidence to be part of my community, not just need to go to work and come home. We can be our own biggest enemies, but if we want to change, it starts with ourselves.”