19 April 2023
|
Story Kekeletso Takang
|
Photo Charl Devenish
Rorisang Masilo, an honours graduate in the Faculty of Education on the Bloemfontein Campus.
“This journey has not been an easy one, but perseverance, persistence, and passion have always guided me through it.” These are the words of Rorisang Masilo, an honours graduate in the
Faculty of Education on the Bloemfontein Campus. Masilo is part of the cohort of graduates walking the graduation stage in the Callie Human Centre during the April graduation season at the University of the Free State (UFS).
Masilo, who was diagnosed with attention-deficit disorder (ADD), says she has always wanted to be a psychologist. Obtaining her Bachelor of Education honours degree with specialisation in the Psychology of Education steers her closer to that dream. “My goal has always been to become a psychologist, and that almost became a reality in 2022 when I was accepted at another institution to study for an honours in Psychology; however, like many of my peers, financial struggles stood in the way. Fortunately, the UFS came to my rescue. I received an offer from the UFS to do my Bachelor of Education honours degree with specialisation in the Psychology of Education through a bursary from the Centre for Graduate Support, which I subsequently accepted.”
The balancing act
It takes a lot for individuals to juggle many roles. “Being a student and an employee at the UFS at the same time is not easy, but it was definitely worthwhile because of everything I learned and the experience I gained,” she says.
At only 24 years of age, this dynamic young leader has ticked many boxes. Her leadership journey with the UFS started in 2017 when she became a resident of the Kagiso day residence. Her involvement in the residence has seen her participate in numerous committees, including social media and marketing as well as sports. In 2018, she became a Gateway buddy before moving on to Welwitschia residence, where she was runner-up for the role of Primaria. Masilo began her term as Residence Committee member for Sport from 2019 to 2020.
Her journey with
Together As One RSA, a non-profit organisation focused on academics, youth development, as well as community engagement, began in 2020 as Director of the Department of Academic Opportunities Awareness. Masilo is currently the Chairperson of the Bloemfontein branch of Together As One RSA.
What the future holds
This multifaceted dynamic leader also holds a Bachelor of Education undergraduate degree (cum laude) and is currently enrolled for her master’s degree with specialisation in the Psychology of Education at the UFS. She says she is working hard towards obtaining that title change from Ms to Dr.
As of May 2023, Masilo will start in a new position as student assistant in the Centre for Teaching and Learning at the UFS
“In spaces you find yourself in, make sure you leave a mark, don't leave as the same person you were when you entered. Allow yourself the opportunity to grow. Welcome criticism and each obstacle as an opportunity to learn and grow,” she says.