Latest News Archive

Please select Category, Year, and then Month to display items
Previous Archive
23 June 2023 | Story Naledi Filita | Photo Supplied
Naledi Filita
Naledi Filita is an nGAP Lecturer in the Department of Languages in Education.

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.

Naledi Filita, nGAP Lecturer in the Department of Languages in Education, shares her UFS journey:

Q: Year of graduation from the UFS:

A: 2016, 2018, and 2021.

Q: Qualification obtained from the UFS:

A: Bachelor of Education, Postgraduate Diploma in Education (Curriculum Studies), and Master of Education (Curriculum Studies).

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

A: 2021.

Q: Initial job title and current job title: 

A: Lecturer.

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

A: I started my career as a teacher in 2015 and was later appointed to my current job. The UFS has equipped me with the knowledge and skills that enabled me to be competent in my field in various contexts. My journey as a UFS student equipped me with crucial skills, such as critical thinking, communication, teamwork, and organisational skills.

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

A: It has been a wonderful experience so far. I was once a student teacher at this university. Due to my experiences, being able to instil knowledge and skills in student teachers is something that I am passionate about. I am grateful for the developmental opportunities and support that I receive as a young researcher.

News Archive

Remain positive, keep an eye on the finish line
2016-10-28

Description: Remain positive Tags: Remain positive

Photo: iStock

No one is immune to anxiety, and the current challenging academic times are no exception. With the Academic Reboot Pack 2.0, the University of the Free State (UFS) addresses these adversities.

Dealing with anxiety differently
People react to anxiety differently. For some it’s like a dark tunnel with no light at the end, while it keeps others on their toes. Regardless of how you deal with it, it is still an unpleasant emotion.

“For me, it (anxiety) makes me more determined to do well, so that I can start the next part of my life as soon as possible,” said Greg Butters, a postgraduate BCom Accounting student at the UFS.

Ways to manage and overcome
There are different ways to manage anxiety. Here are some methods that can assist you in dealing with it:

Keep the following in mind when you are feeling anxious:
•    Realise that anxiety is an amplified response to stress.
•    Face your anxiety head-on.
•    Do not add to your anxiety by thinking about what "might" happen. If you find yourself asking "What if?" tell yourself "So what!"

Where to get the right help

It is also important to know that there is help. When you feel that anxiety is affecting you negatively, pick up a phone and call one of the following departments:

•    Medical Practice: +27 51 401 2603
•    Qwaqwa Campus Clinic: +27 58 718 5210
•    Sports and Exercise Medicine Clinic: +27 51 401 2530
•    First Aid: +27 51 401 3325
•    Emergencies (After hours) - ER 24: 0800 051 051 or 084 124

If you feel that you are managing you anxiety, but would like to develop your skills further, please make an appointment with Student Counselling and Development at: HerbstP@ufs.ac.za or phone +27 51 401 2853.

You can also contact the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) 24-hour helpline. SADAG has various helplines that can help you deal with anxiety and depression.

Get your copy of the Academic Reboot Pack 2.0 on Blackboard under announcements or click here to download it.

Also see the first Academic Reboot Pack.

If students have any question or queries regarding the Academic Reboot Pack, they can send an email to: advising@ufs.ac.za.

We use cookies to make interactions with our websites and services easy and meaningful. To better understand how they are used, read more about the UFS cookie policy. By continuing to use this site you are giving us your consent to do this.

Accept