Finding Strength and Purpose Through Service
Ms Karen Suter describes herself as “a ray of sunshine”, an optimism that has carried her through a long career at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) and the challenges of living with multiple autoimmune conditions.
A mother of two, she credits her husband, children and extended family with giving her the support she needs to balance her health, career and community work.
Her commitment to helping others goes beyond the University. She volunteers with the Pietermaritzburg Gandhi Foundation and is the primary advisor for the Golden Key International Honour Society across UKZN’s five campuses, supported by advisors at individual campuses. “I love working with the youth and leading them to their full potential,” she said.
Suter’s association with UKZN began in 2003, when she enrolled as a student. She later worked as a tutor and joined the Hexagon Theatre, where she was a costume hire representative and worked front of house before taking on stage and project management responsibilities for selected productions. In 2007, she joined the Drama and Performance Studies Department as an administrator. Five years later, she was appointed School and Finance Officer in the School of Arts.
Her role covers the School’s daily administrative and financial needs, including processing contract appointments and letters of offer, facilitating payments to external examiners and tutors, preparing monthly financial reports and managing procurement. She also helps staff resolve issues involving venues, offices and general work matters. “Just being at work and getting things done gives me purpose,” Suter said. “I enjoy being a problem solver.”
Suter lives with lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia. Each condition brings different complications and flare-ups, which means she has to manage her health and energy carefully.
She made the difficult decision to discontinue her master’s degree to reduce stress and maintain her health. She has also had to learn to be more patient with herself, work through pain and recognise when she needs to turn down additional responsibilities. “My brain thinks it can do it all, but my body says, ‘Go try it,’” she joked.
Because chronic illness is not always visible, Suter believes it is important to listen and understand. She cautions against comparing the experiences of people with the same diagnosis, as each person may have different symptoms and limitations.
Her UKZN colleagues and managers have supported her with an office suited to her needs, appropriate furniture and equipment, and the flexibility to attend physiotherapy and other appointments. “My immediate work colleagues and managers are all there to assist,” she said. “I try not to drop the ball, but if I do, there is always someone ready to pick it up and keep going.”
Her family provides the same support at home, particularly during flare-ups and new health challenges. “It helps when people understand the conditions, know my symptoms and are there to take things off my plate,” she said.
Suter believes workplaces can better support employees with chronic illnesses by listening to them, learning about their conditions and avoiding assumptions. She encourages women facing serious health or personal challenges to seek support and help others understand what they are going through, while recognising their right to privacy.
Her message during Women’s Month is to remain hopeful, informed and involved in decisions about one’s health. “Keeping your mind strong and sound is winning more than half the battle,” she said.
For Suter, perseverance means continuing to learn, asking questions and understanding her own body. “You know yourself best,” she said. “Keep going, keep researching and keep learning.”
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Words: Lee Rondganger
Photograph: Christine Cuénod
