Today, we draw our inspiration from Amanda Motshoeneng who is from Bloemfontein, Free State. Amanda is career oriented woman who is passionate about children and hopes in future to register and own a day and after care centre in Bethlehem.
I grew up in Bohlokong, and completed my matric in 2006 at Tiisetsang High School. I then moved to Bloemfontein in the hope of chasing my dreams. I studied Language Practice, took me a good 6 years to complete. Which I later realized I'm one of those people that chose the wrong course to study. Well they say everything for a reason. During my studying years I worked a lot as a temp and a few retail stores. I had to, because my situation back at home forced me to help mum out while studying. My mother is a single parent who lost the love of her life while at high school, who was my step dad. Actually I don't like saying step dad because that man gave me so much in life while alive, best gift ever was my younger brother. We now only left with our mother who is a domestic worker at SANDF. We fortunate to have a loving bubbly mother and she has done her best to invest in our education.
What were the challenges and great things about growing up?
I think the most challenging thing was me trying to fit in my own family. When my mother and my dad (step dad) got married I was a teenager. There was a lot I didn't understand but now I look back and I realise it wasn't all that bad. It’s been great being able to set my own goal, fail and motivate myself to try once more. I think I have become my own motivation in the process.
Your career? What is it that you do? What inspired you to do what you do?
I work as a Branch Administrator at one of the biggest mutual insurance company. I have moved from one company to the other because either it would be a contract ending or it was a temp. Then I finally landed this job opportunity 2 years ago because of one of my previous clients realizing my potential. I was recommended and I nailed the interview, next thing I was enjoying every moment of it.
What do you like most about yourself and the work that you do?
I love that I'm a very talkative person. I engage easily with people and this helps me a lot because I deal with people daily. I enjoy explaining to the clients and servicing them and making them aware of their benefits. teaching them the importance of insurance.
What are some of the challenges which you’ve faced and how did you overcome them?
It’s been very difficult coming into the industry with no experience of the industry. I never anticipated myself in insurance. The most unpleasant moments were when my position was questioned because of my lack of experience in the field. Some moments being asked why one chose to work at Bloemfontein instead of your own town. It made me feel very unwelcome and it took me a while to have the courage to do my job with ease. I learned people get intimated by things they don't even know, things that shouldn't even intimidate them
What are some of your life highlights for you so far? What are you most proud of?
I will never forget the joy on my mother's face when I graduated. And the praises she made when I landed my first permanent job after years of applications. Personally I won't forget my first out of the country holiday to Portugal. A trip I made myself, just to have the time of my life with friends. I love touring
What, in your opinion, are the most important factors to keep in mind to make it in your career or life in general?
Stay humble, know that people come with different attitude. You can control yours, because you are servicing them not the other way around. Be constant in the kind of service you give.
When given the opportunity, make sure you teach your client something new about the product you have with you every single visit. Because people don't really know what they buying, they don't read the large documents we give them.
Where would you like to see yourself in the next three years?
In a few years’ time I hope to complete my diploma in education intro phase. I hope to register and own a day and after care centre in Bethlehem and surrounding towns. I hope to grow this institution in a level I have seen in cities. I believe the most vital moments to teach our children is at the intro phase position.
If there was anything you could do differently, what would it be?
To have a gap year in 2007, clear my head. Volunteer at community services and decided with no rush what I want to study. I think I should have been a teacher. I would have invested my weekends in business management short courses. I still say, it’s not too late. We still alive
Are there any specific people or organisations that you look up to and draw inspiration from and why?
I look up the "Coach" lol that's how we call him in Bloemfontein. Abuti Sipho Mnyankeni, he is a mentor, he is an author, our pastor and a motivational speaker. He has been a life coach to most of us at the Central university of technology free state Residence church. He has introduced me to crazy faith. I learned to be a woman of substance from his teachings and motivational talks. He always says that one never stops learning. I am thankful to have met him during my first year, he contributed in me being a focused young woman
I look up to my peers, people I studied with and I met through the same church. I am motivated because most of them we shared tears and struggles, so when I see them reach their goals I know that my time is coming. I know that if God could listen to their prayers and bless them, he surely is listening to mine. I celebrate with them; they bring me close to my own dream.
Are there any inspiring projects which you’re involved in?
I have seen few of the former students giving back to their communities. Their reaching out to young girls, they giving school uniforms. I admire that. We need to give back with the little we have.
Lastly, what advice would you give to others out there looking to follow in your footsteps?
Never ever give up on yourself. You are allowed to have bad days, to have challenges but nothing should kick you down to a point of not knowing or not being able to bounce back. You must always bounce back… Your life is yours and only you have everything in you to live it, not the next person. Stay humble and be kind. Laugh a lot, have something you believe in and when you have it believe in it crazily. #CrazyFaith I'm a BELIEVER by Birth.
How can the public contact you?
Email: motsoenengamanadanm@gmail.com
Facebook: Amanda Motsoeneng
Instagram: @Mandu_Lehakoe
