College of Education

A surreal experience for Bachelor of Education graduate

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On 11 October 2024, Lerato Lephatsoane graduated with a Bachelor of Education degree during the #2024UnisaSpringGraduation ceremony. The aspiring teacher in English First Additional Language, Natural Sciences and Technology as well as Social Sciences in Intermediate Phase, says the experience was overwhelming to be honoured by the university and celebrated by her family.

Lerato%20Lephatsoane

Lerato Lephatsoane

Lephatsoane was born and raised in Sebokeng. Her desire so speak fluent English began a journey that led her up the graduation aisle. Sticking to her dream, in 2018 and 2019 she enrolled at Unisa for a higher certificate in Adult Basic Education and Training (ABET). Shortly afterwards, she enrolled for a Bachelor of Education degree from 2020 to 2024.


Balancing daily tasks with studies

Lephatsoane says that her journey with Unisa was no easy feat, and on some occasions she found balancing her work and studies exhausting. She adds that although the workload continued to increase as she progressed in her studies, she found that she had to continuously realign and readjust her priorities in tandem with her studies.

She adds that her mother, who is a teacher, gave her support throughout her work-study challenges. "I had tremendous support from her as she constantly reminds me of the end-goal. She would encourage and motivate me, and even sacrifice sleep to sit with me while I burned the midnight oil," she states.


Staying true to self

Studying at Unisa was a personally revealing experience for Lephatsoane. In addition to the many lessons she gained, she says she constantly held herself accountable for keeping up with the regular updates from lectures and discussion forums.

While many lecturers were exceptional in teaching her, Lephatsoane credits Dr Chantel Weber and Dr Makgalake Radingoana, whom she describes as extraordinary in their lecturing, stating: "They inspired me to go the extra mile during my studies, with regular motivational quotes in their emails and going the extra mile to offer support during the exam season."

Lephatsoane's desire to become a teacher was inspired by the joy of hoping to witness her learners' success and their gratitude for her guidance. She aspires to be a positive influence on the next generation, driving change in their lives, communities and the nation as a whole, adding: "I want to be the reason why there is positive change in someone else’s life, in the community and the country at large."

Concluding her message, Lephatsoane advises current student to be disciplined, motivated and persistent, and manage their time wisely. She adds that students should stay true to themselves, and not to allow pressure to force them to take more modules than they can handle.

* By Godfrey Madibane, Acting Journalist, Department of Institutional Advancement

 ** Image supplied by Lerato Lephatsoane

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Publish date: 2024/10/23

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