From Soweto to England: Law graduate lands amazing opportunity abroad

- Thato Lentsoe is one inspiring young man, he holds a Bachelor's and Master's degree in law

- The 25-year-old graduate obtained his LLM degree with distinctions

- Now, he has the opportunity to study international law at a prestigious university in England

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A young man, Thato Lentsoe, is making Mzansi proud. The 25-year-old has been accepted to study international law in England.

Lentsoe grew up in the dusty streets of Soweto and is the oldest of three siblings. He was raised by a strong single mother and grew up in a home full of love.

He said:

"I could talk about how difficult it is to be raised by a single parent, but that's the story of millions of young people in townships and rural areas, so that does not make me unique."

The law graduate added he defines himself through what he has achieved, not how he grew up.

"What defines me is my ambition, intelligence and discipline. I am a young person who is guided by a dream and I live my life through the perpetual desire to grow and improve," he said.

Lentsoe attended the Motsaneng Primary school in Mapetla before completing his high school career at the Seanamarena Secondary school. He matriculated in 2012, and decided to pursue a degree in law.

He enrolled in the Bachelor of Laws (LLB) programme at the University of Johannesburg (UJ). Lentsoe then studied towards his Master of Laws (LLM) degree and managed to graduate with distinctions.

The star scholar told Briefly.co.za:

"During this period, I was a Senior Tutor for final year LLB students. I also took part in academia including, inter alia, BRICS Academic Forum. I was also admitted as an advocate and I got experience."

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Lentsoe's academic ambitions did not end there. He applied to study international law at Lancaster University.

He said:

"I have passion in International human rights. Lancaster University is no doubt among the best in the United Kingdom. Top 10 in three major national league tables, it is also highly ranked in International leagues such as the QS World Rankings. LLM International law degree can open doors to a range of careers.

"This gives the opportunity to develop the skills required to critically evaluate research relating to international law; skills which can be highly prized by employers in the UK with international interests, and by businesses and organisations based overseas, this includes amongst others, the UN."

Although he applied, Lentsoe did not expect to hear back from the university and he opened up about the moment he found out the great news:

"When I received an email from Lancaster University I got excited. What challenged me the most was getting funding, but that did not stop me from believing."

Lentsoe said he would appreciate assistance in funding and said it will not only change his life, but also help him live out his dream.

Because of the current global pandemic, Lentsoe will not be able to start his course in October as planned.

"I might, however, defer my arrival to UK in the year 2021 amid the spread of Covid-19," he said.

Lentsoe hopes that he can one day help other young South Africans to pursue their dreams by funding studies in both the UK and USA.

"I want to see myself in the United Nations (hereinafter "UN"), and of course occupying the Secretary-General position."

He called on young South Africans to be brave and chase their dreams.

"I am sending a message to young people to aim high, speak and think positive, then everything will fall into place. Our thoughts and words shape our future."

Meanwhile, earlier Briefly.co.za reported Xolani Mzileni, 26, from Katlehong has an amazing story of how he struggled in school, failing at one point, to eventually end up with 27 distinctions from varsity.

He is currently attending a masters student course in Operations Management at the University of Johannesburg.

His childhood was not easy, growing up in a township with very little in the way of services, no running water, healthcare facilities, proper housing and other essential services.

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Source: Briefly News