Achieving academic excellence is a feat that many people aspire to attain. For some, it may be a challenging journey, while for others, it comes naturally. In an interview, a lawyer who recently graduated with a Distinction in International Trade and Investment Law at the University of Pretoria, shares his story of how she achieved her academic success.
The lawyer explains that he did not necessarily set out to graduate with a Distinction, but rather, he committed himself to doing his best, being committed to excellence, and enjoying the journey. He believes that pursuing excellence consistently is the key to achieving success.
When asked if he made a First Class in his Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree, the lawyer explains that while he did not graduate with a First Class, he was at the top of his LL.B class and received numerous academic excellence awards/recognitions. He also received a National Prize for academic excellence in Corporate Law Practice at the Nigerian Law School.
The lawyer chose to pursue her LL.M in International Trade and Investment Law in Africa at the University of Pretoria because of its unique interdisciplinary course delivery, which comprises modules in International Law, Finance, and Economics with tutors drawn from both academia and top international organizations. He believes that International Trade and Investment Law is crucial to the socio-economic development of any nation, particularly in Africa.
While the lawyer admits to experiencing culture shock upon arriving in South Africa, he was able to withstand the pressure that came with being in a new environment by building resilience and focusing on the eventual opportunities. He also engaged in extracurricular activities that helped ease the pressure.
The lawyer’s study pattern involves being naturally curious and enjoying general knowledge. He sees studying as an exciting and enjoyable thing to do, not just to pass an exam or get good grades. This approach makes studying easy for him, and he hardly forgets anything he has studied.
Finally, the lawyer’s achievement of graduating with a Distinction in International Trade and Investment Law at the University of Pretoria serves as a reminder of the importance of commitment, dedication, and hard work in achieving academic excellence.
