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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

Small-town girl dreams big
2017-02-16

Description:Andiswa Methu   Tags: Andiswa Methu   longdesc=

Andiswa Methu, a first-year
BCom Accounting student at
Kovsies and one of the
top-achieving matriculants
in the country.
Photo: Siobhan Canavan

Andiswa Methu will miss her mother, but will work hard to send her first salary to the woman who raised her to stand proud as one of the top-achieving matriculants in the country.

Excited to make new friends at UFS

The 17-year-old Andiswa, from Petrusburg in the Free State where she attended Ipetleng Secondary School, is a first-year student at the University of the Free State in 2017. She is studying BCom Accounting and will become part of the Welwitschia female residence on the Bloemfontein Campus.

Although she was not too keen on moving away from home, Andiswa is excited about making new friends and loves meeting new people. “I’m going to miss my mother so much and I know that this will be a different environment for me, but I’m excited for the journey that lies ahead.”

Working hard to make her mother proud

The first-year, who loves working with numbers, says she will work hard to make her mother, Nozibonelo Methu, proud. “I am going to study accounting,” she says. “My first salary will definitely go to my mother.”

 

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