NAMES: Lehlohonolo Jeremiah Mantsi
FORMER HIGH SCHOOL: Ts’akholo High School, Mafeteng
TERTIARY: National University of Lesotho (NUL)
PROGRAMME: BA Economics Minor in Statistics
YEAR OF STUDY: 4th Year (Final year)
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS IN THE PROGRAMME: 4 credits of which two must be of Mathematics and English (minimum of C)
ORGANIZATIONS: In 2016/2017, I was elected to be the President of National University of Lesotho Economics Students Association (NULESA). Currently I’m serving as the General Advisor of NULESA.
How did you end up studying Economics?
From when I was still young, I liked money a lot and I wanted to be rich. Funny! So the feeling got worse with age so I wanted to know why other nations are richer and others poor and how I can wisely use scarce resources to meet competing needs and so with my research, I found out that my answers to all these questions lie in Economics. What a course!
What influences one’s performance in Economics?
In my 1st year up to date I have been proceeding with DISTINCTIONS which is the best possible pass that one can obtain and I am very proud and thankful to God Almighty that I have been the best student.
Most notably is that I won an award from Economic Research Southern Africa (ERSA) for my meritorious performance and I am serving as the first years and second years tutor in Micro and Macro Economics notwithstanding that I had an internship in Rivonia South Africa at Izasi Consulting company working in data analysis department.
Last but not least, I have published an article entitled “Lesotho trade deficit: Implication for Stock Market.” The Post Newspaper, 13-19 October 2016.
Now the critical question is how did I achieve all these, my motto is very simple, as long as I live I always think of glory and never want to be number two because that says I am the first one in failure. So being successful in academics is very simple, FIRST OF ALL: don’t just apply, apply for what you love.
Do what is right, the right way and at the right time. I encourage high school students not to relax when they arrive at NUL and work hard because it has been proven beyond reasonable doubt that hard work pays because no one can climb the ladder of success with the hands in the pocket so reading is mandatory at NUL or else failure will be at your door step.
What have you learnt so far?
Economics is a very nice and good course which enhances one’s thinking capacity and Economists better understand a lot of world dynamics like why other nations are poor while others are rich and well-off.
Economics is indeed a yardstick for development of every nation so I have learned that Economics brings about a lot of opportunities, to mention a few, Finance and Economic Analyst, Policy Analyst, Economic Planners, Bankers, Insurance Officers, Consultants, Entrepreneurs and many more that are of paramount significance.
To those willing to apply for Economics
First and foremost, throughout the four years I can tell that nothing is impossible to accomplish. It always seems impossible until it is done. I would encourage high school students to apply for Economics only and only if you love it.
It is a very vital and nice course with the Lecturers that are wholeheartedly willing to help students to pass and the Department of Economics is one of the best and has been accredited by international standards but for my fellow high school the note of advice is be aware that your high school status does not determine your performance at NUL.
Economics is the new page so be alert not to be victim of circumstances so you will need to work hard and dig deeper. “ECONOMICS FOR ALL AND FOR BETTER”
For Economics, the first year is a common year with BCOMM students and same courses are provided which includes Mathematics, Statistics, Economics, Accounting, Management, English and Computer. Be aware that there is no pre-requisite meaning you do not necessarily need to have studied any of these courses at your high school level. Economics is the new page.
Those that will go for Economics in the second year, it is offered with these minor courses:
1. BA Economics with Minor in Statistics
2. BA Economics with Minor in Mathematics
3. BA Economics with Minor in Business Administration
Academic Youth Progress helps Students and other Youths with career choices and instill entrepreneurship motive among Basotho to tackle Youth Unemployment in Lesotho.