Plett’s ‘Doctor Barnard’ is a picture of determination…
CXPRESS congratulates well-known Plett resident Patrick Barnard, owner of Patrick Barnard Properties, who recently completed the doctoral programme in Psychology. Not only was he awarded his PhD during a graduation ceremony on April 6, but was also nominated for a special award for this admirable achievement.
Pat, as most people know him, grew up in Plettenberg Bay and matriculated from Wittedrift High in 1974. After obtaining his Bachelor’s degree at Stellenbosch University, he joined the South African Defence Force (SADF) and continued to study part time, achieving his Honours and Master’s degrees through UNISA.
During this time, Pat also completed various courses with the SADF and obtained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel – all of this by the age of 30!
He resigned from the SADF in 1988, when he moved to Plett with his young family. Setting new goals for himself, Pat started his own real estate business.
With his characteristic high standards, integrity and dedication, this business has grown successfully over the last 25 years, and continues to be respected and rated in the real estate industry.
Pat is a man who sets high goals for himself and about four years ago, he set off on a novel, but not entirely unfamiliar, journey: he decided to fulfil one of his dreams by applying to be a student once again.
Working full time and running a buzzing business, Pat’s incredible resilience was tested many times as all his spare time was devoted to his studies. Fortunately, his passion for the subject and for learning combined to lighten the load.
Says Pat about this experience: “When one embarks on such a journey, God makes all things possible and seems to put exceptional people in your path to help you along.”
And Pat’s case was no exception. He says it is impossible to thank everyone who contributed to his success: “My family, supervisors and work colleagues all helped to make this possible, and to these people I can only say a very heart-felt ‘thank you’.”
Congratulations, Dr Pat Barnard, you’ve done your town, loved ones and clients particularly proud.
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