boitumelo ngoepe

1^st year acturial science at university of cape town

Boitumelo is one of many learners in the Western Region who got through school on a SANRAL scholarship. In 2017, the region produced 93 scholarship recipients.

HOW DID YOU END UP STUDYING ACTUARIAL SCIENCE?

In Grade 10, I had my heart set on a career in civil engineering and obtained a SANRAL scholarship to get me through to matric. However, somewhere during my last year at school, I realised that my passion for finance outweighed that of engineering, and I opted to apply to UCT for a degree in actuarial science.

WAS THE TRANSITION FROM BOARDING SCHOOL TO UNIVERSITY LIFE DAUNTING?

The transition from school to university is massive and my course is really difficult. My seven distinctions seem like a lifetime ago and make no difference now. Nobody checks to see whether you're attending classes. You need incredible discipline to do this on your own. One of my courses is an online programme, so I am the only one who makes the rules and decides that it's time to log in and get down to work.

BEING FROM LIMPOPO, HAVE YOU SETTLED INTO LIFE IN CAPE TOWN AND DO YOU HAVE SOCIAL SUPPORT AMONG YOUR FELLOW STUDENTS?

I have been fortunate to meet up with some students who are from my old high school and home town. However, the course is difficult and there is little time for socialising. At weekends, I take the time to cement what I have learnt during the week, since the Monday brings a fresh workload and I have to keep up all the time.

WHAT WOULD THE 5-YEAR-OLD BOITUMELO SAY TO YOU TODAY?

He would tell me that I'm awesome and congratulate me on what I have achieved.