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20 June 2023 | Story Melissa Kilian | Photo Supplied
Melissa Kilian
Melissa Kilian is a Lecturer in the Department of Occupational Therapy.

The University of the Free State (UFS) is celebrating Youth Month by showcasing the positive influence of the institution on career development. As part of this initiative, we are sharing the stories of UFS alumni who are now working at the university.

Melissa Kilian, Lecturer in the Department of Occupational Therapy, shares her UFS journey:

Q: Year of graduation from the UFS:

A: 2011 and 2021.

Q: Qualification obtained from the UFS:

A: Baccalaureus and Master of Occupational Therapy.

Q: Date of joining the UFS as a staff member:

A: 1 June 2022 (employed for one year this month).

Q: Initial job title and current job title:

A: Lecturer in Occupational Therapy.

Q: How did the UFS prepare you for the professional world?

A: The UFS provided me with excellent clinical exposure to the diverse profession of occupational therapy. Additionally, the occupational therapy undergraduate course provided many opportunities for promoting self-awareness and self-development and entering the workforce as a graduate willing to explore the dimensions of the profession and what my unique contribution can be.

Q: What are your thoughts on transitioning from a UFS alumnus to a staff member?

A: Since being employed with the UFS, I have a deeper acknowledgement and appreciation for lecturers, as well as a multi-layered understanding of the importance of curriculum development and how this translates into students becoming competent graduates.

Q: Any additional comments about your experience?

A: It’s been quite an experience ...!

News Archive

UFS students visit schools in Bloemfontein
2011-07-29

 

Prof Dennis Francis, Dean of our Faculty of Education, talks to first year students at a diversity workshop presented by our Faculty of Education
Photo: Amanda Tongha

Education students from our university descended on schools in Bloemfontein during the last two days. Approximately 520 first-year education students, divided into two groups, are visiting schools in the city to get a broader teaching experience. The first-year students are visiting schools in town, Heidedal and Mangaung. Their visit coincides with our Faculty of Education’s annual diversity workshop for first-year students, where they will address topics such as discrimination, prejudice and stereotypes.

The first group of first-year students who visited schools, gave feedback about their experiences at the diversity workshop held on our Bloemfontein Campus. The students were addressed by Prof. Dennis Francis, Dean of our Faculty of Education. He told them that a Kovsie graduate is somebody who is people-centred. Prof. Francis urged the first-year students to let go of prejudice and asked them to reclaim the dignity of the oppressed.

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