Mr Ubisi's first qualification was among those recognised during UMP's Special Graduation Ceremony, which provided an opportunity for graduates whose graduation celebrations were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic to be formally recognised in person. For him, the occasion marked the completion of two important chapters in his academic journey. “It felt like two different chapters of my life meeting in the same moment,” he said.
His academic journey began in 2016 when he enrolled at the Vaal University of Technology to study Mechanical Engineering. However, he soon realised the field did not align with his interests and career aspirations. In 2017, he changed direction and enrolled at UMP to pursue Agricultural Extension.
“I later joined UMP, where I completed my Bachelor of Agriculture in record time in 2019. After graduating, I entered the working world through internships in the sugarcane production sector from 2020 to early 2023,” he added.
“The journey within the working environment allowed me to notice and learn multiple things about myself. Serving people remained at the forefront, although I felt unfulfilled working with crops."
Following difficulties in securing permanent employment, Mr Ubisi decided to return to university and pursue a new academic path. He enrolled for a Bachelor of Commerce degree with Industrial and Organisational Psychology as a major.
“It was a shift from working with crops to working with people, and ultimately, toward purpose,” he said, adding that he credits his family, spiritual mentors, lecturers and academic leaders for supporting him throughout his academic and professional journey.
“All this is inspiration for me to keep going and encourage others to keep believing, for it is possible to achieve beyond what we imagine, only if we dare to believe,” he said.
Mr Ubisi's journey demonstrates that career paths are not always linear and that embracing change can create new opportunities for growth and achievement.
Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures supplied. Copyright © UMP.