LIFE CAN ONLY GO TWO WAYS Volume 3 Issue 12 October 2014 · 2014-10-23 · faith in yourself. You know what you are capable of doing and what your strengths and weaknesses are. All

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LIFE CAN ONLY GO TWO WAYS Volume 3 Issue 12 October 2014

Letter from the president

As with everything in life there will always be a new beginning. I would like to start off my term as ASSC president with the following quote by Henry Rolins: ‘strength is the product of struggle, you must do what others don’t to achieve what others won’t’.

You have all made it this far, don’t procrastinate. The exams are just around the corner and we are all capable of achieving satisfactory results.

I am truly excited for the year that lies ahead for the Department of Mathematical Statistics and Actuarial Science. The ASSC is planning a few major events and we would really appreciate your support through-out our term. If all goes well we will have a career fare in April, there will be a twist on the informal set up, the newly improved Bernoulli, multiple sports and fun events and many others. Hopefully the ASSC app will also be up and running.

We are all capable of excellence; that is why we are where we are today. But always keep in mind the past is gone, what matters now is what you are going to do today to give yourself a better future.

PaballoPaballo MakupuASSC President

Digital Edition

2 ZimsaBulletin Spring 2014

BERNOULLILife can only go two ways

ASSC UFS

Keep CalmIts a new

beginningcelebrate new lifeimprove on yourself

ace the exams

Email: [email protected]

‘Do your best, take the back sit and let God do the rest’

SUCCESS is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it

Quote: ‘Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will spend its whole life believing that it is stupid’ ~ Albert Einstein

The ASSC

Kabelo

Design & LayoutCreative DirectionEditing

PotianeFrankMagayaDesign & LayoutCreative DirectionCover pages design

Dineo MoshesheVICE PRESIDENT

TREASURER

Christiaan Paulsen

SECRETARY

Caviner Ruiters

ASSCActuarial & statistics

student council

This is the voice of all students in the department of mathe-matical statistics and Actuarial Science.

We consist of 4 Members

The Presidenthe/she must be a 3rd Year or Honours student

Vice Presidenthe/she must be a 3rd Year student

Treasurerhe/she must be a 2nd Year student

Secretaryhe/she must be a 3rd Year student

Bernoulli Editorial Team

Exams 2014

4 Bernoulli 2014

It is that time of the year again…. ‘YEAaa’… for some but not all of us.

As you have all seen the theme for this newsletter is ‘New Beginnings.’ So I would like to pose this question to you - ‘What is your new beginning? What are you going to do this time that is different to ensure that you ace these exams without a sweat?’ I am not going to give out tips and hints as if I am writing a self help book because you do not need it. All you have to do is to believe and have faith in yourself. You know what you are capable of doing and what your strengths and weaknesses are. All I would like to say to you is that never be afraid to ask questions and admit it when you are wrong, otherwise you will not be able to learn from your mistakes. Remember who your biggest competitor is. Think to yourself, how did he or she get to where they are today and what are they doing now to maintain that standard? Do not tell me that you don’t know or that you don’t have a competitor. You know because your biggest competitor is yourself. What are you going to do that others are not willing to do to be the best in your field?Do not go around comparing yourself to your peers, we all have different talents and we were admitted into this de-partment for one reason and only one reason - your marks. We have all proven ourselves worthy to be called academics but what now? How these exams unfold will deter-mine that answer for you. You are not just another statistic, you are an individual trying to do their best in this massive world so that one day you too can tell your success story of how you worked hard, had a medi-ocre social life to get your degree be it in Actuarial science, Risk Analysis, Math-ematical Statistics, etc. There are many people out there who are not able to do what you do or cannot afford to be where you are today. The only thing you can do about it is to use your resources to your disposal and make your dreams a reality.

Not all students are privileged enough to go through universi-ty without feeling the financial burden that comes with varsity life. It is with this premise in mind that I would like to share my personal experiences with you, to shed light on issues that might help the next man

faced with this predicament. A bursary is a sum of money or other form of aid granted to a student based on merit, need and so on, to further his/her studies. I received a mer-it-based bursary from Momentum to study Actuarial Sci-ence at this prestigious university in 2012. Apart from the invaluable financial support, there’s always vacation work to look forward to, an opportunity to learn about different areas of practice and pocket a few harmless madiba notes in the process (something anyone can appreciate in addi-tion to the comradery and sense of belonging). Every once in a while I got moved to a different area of work to get a glimpse of what to expect after varsity. It was during this process that I discovered several things that I would enjoy doing on a more regular basis: employee benefits, work-ing with mortality tables and doing market intelligence to name but a few. Friendships were forged and lasting mem-ories made. Suffice to say, I can’t wait to start work officially. Besides the promise of vacation work, Momentum and other companies alike give jobs to their bursary holders after university (usually upon completion of a degree or honours), giving students the luxury of having a guaranteed job and thus one less thing to worry about. So if you asked me, “which companies provide bursaries to Actuarial sci-ence and Mathematical Statistics students?” I would simply reply, “Several! Brilliant question by the way”. As men-tioned before, Momentum provides bursaries to Actuarial Science students based on merit; Hannover Reinsurance to grade A Actuarial Science students who are previously disadvantaged; Nedbank to both Actuarial Science and Statistics students; the Treasury department and the South African Reserve Bank to Mathematical Statistics students; etcetera. To conclude, there are plenty opportunities out there waiting to be seized. So go out there, be proactive, seize the day—help is always available for those willing to help themselves.

Getting a Bursarythe Whys and Hows

by Dineo Mosheshe

Bernoulli 2014 5

Journeys in Actuarial Science are journeys from which motivation can be drawn. Jan Blomerus has one of those journeys. We interviewed him to get to know him better.

AQ&

6 Bernoulli 2014

Tell us about yourself

Oudtshoorn is where my roots are; I grew up and matriculated there. Part of my success was

because of my parents. My father was an accounting and financial management teacher. My mother made sure that I did my homework and had all the pa-tience in the world. I can remember how she helped me study 7 pages for geometry in grade 4. Which, at the time, seemed like a formidable task! I studied at Stellenbosch University with a bursary from Sanlam. I became fully qualified in 2007. At varsity, I was very outgoing. You could almost say that academics was not my main priority at the time. I was very involved in my residence. I played rugby, soccer and chess for the residence.My first car was a white Datsun 1300. It would take 6-8 of us to the beach over some weekends and holi-days. Needless to say, it did not last long.

What influenced your decision to be-come a lecturer?

many things had a part in that decision. In the corporate world, you are the employee and you

cannot come or go as you please. You earn a high salary and that’s all. When I started studying I did it to become really rich, but after working for 14 years, I realized that the more money you have, the more worries come with it. Basically I wanted to be able to show more for my work than just money. As a lecturer, I can help students achieve their dreams. I can impart into the lives of others

How did you decide what to study and if you could turn back time, would you study Actuarial Science again?

In an army library in grade 11, I discovered my love for Actuarial Science. I opened a career book and

only read the first few pages. Among others was a

description of Accounting and Actuarial Science. I wanted to do something that works with the future, not the past. I knew then and there that I wanted to be an actuary. If I had to study all over again, I would still choose to do Actuarial Science. I love what I do!

There comes a time in Actuarial Science when you lose faith in yourself and start questioning your capability. What would you say about this?

Becoming an actuary is like a marathon, not a sprint. You can never be fully prepared; in exams

you will be asked questions that you have never seen before. That is why it is important to think on your feet. Some people are born with this ability, but it can be acquired. You also need to be ready to change when situations require change. Actuaries solve problems for which there are not always textbook solutions.

At what age did you make your first mil-lion?At give or take 28.

Do you still have goals or dreams that you still want to do?

One should always have a goal; something that you are living for. Whatever I do I want to op-

timize. Currently, I am doing research on valuation reporting. With regards to dreams, I feel very con-tent where I am at in my life. I have good children; I have seen the world. I am happy! My only dreams are for others at the moment.

Jan Blomerus

Written by Palesa Ntaote & Christiaan Paulsen

Bernoulli 2014 7

Motivation Whenever you feel demotivated it is your own responsibility to change that. Remind yourself why you are studying, think about the rewards of doing well or maybe just passing.

Goal Setting When setting goals you have to set SMART goals. These SMART goals are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-bound, meaning that your goals can not be vague. Along with your goals you need to make a plan of action to reach them, the plan needs at least 4 steps. Put everything in writing!!

Time ManagementTo manage your time, you have to write down everything that you need to do and also allocate time slots for those tasks. Do the most important tasks first and then move onto preparation for future important tasks (exam preparation), keep in mind that you can never prepare too far in advance. Put everything in your time schedule: Sleep, classes, eating and a small portion for relaxation. Break your work up into smaller pieces, this way the work won’t be so over-whelming.

MindsetYour mindset needs to be helpful. Tests aren’t just things that keep you from being with your friends, tests actually serve a purpose. Rather than seeing tests as a burden, see them as a challenge you need to get where you want to be. If all else fails, remember that other people have done it, so why can’t you?

article on exam study tips

Sufficient studying For optimal studying the following needs to be taken into account: Motivation, Goal setting, Time Management and Mind-set.

by Dwayne Vorster.

WHATS NEW

We would like to congratulate Frans Koning as the newly elected Head of Department.

The newly elected ASSC at the Masquerade Ball

We would like to congratulate Jan

Blomerus for his newly born baby

Outgoing ASSC receiving certificates

This is the Allan Gray function where Diedre Basson won a cash price and iPad air for her excellent essay on values and views on job marketability for students

Department hoodies sponsored by

The Night

The inability to move to rhythm was ignored and pleasure preced-ed insecurities, as strangers would dance with one another stepping on toes, however, the beats lit up smiles.

of Valour

The venue was draped with prestige. White and silver balloons covered the floor, while the table setting was esteemed fit for royalty.

by Caviner Ruiters

10 Bernoulli 2014

In one night all expectations from a multi-diverse group of intellectuals were met. The most beautiful venue on the University of Free State campus, The Centenary Complex was filled with laughter, splendour and such a tangible sense of belonging, The Masquerade Formal 2014.The esteemed guests included students from the department of Actuari-al and Mathematical Statistics, their partners, lecturers at our university as well as a multi-award winning and international businessman Dr. Pieter Du Toit. Guests were welcomed with colourful drinks from a Champaign foun-tain while being photographed against the university glamour board, as they walked the cherry coated red carpet. The beautiful hostess and newly elected ASSC (Actuarial and Statistics Student Council) president served in all her glory as the Stage Director and personally welcomed all guests while showing them to their seats. The night would be nothing without the serenate in song by our guest artists and Dj. The music played was diverse in its execution and included popular pop songs, hip hop and “sokkie musiek” which left our guests leaving their hearts on the dance floor. The inability to move to rhythm was ignored and pleasure preceded insecurities, as strangers would dance with one another stepping on toes, however, the beats lit up smiles. The venue was draped with prestige. White and silver balloons covered the floor, while the table setting was esteemed fit for royalty. Beautiful bouquets were everywhere which complimented the ball gowns, penguin suits and masks our esteemed guests wore. The stage was initiated by the colourful welcoming speech given by Caviner Ruiters which left guests in smiles with reference to festivities through fine wine and dine. He was followed by our Guest of Honour, Dr Pieter Du Toit who motivated students to work harder and continuously give themselves over to a success-driven attitude. Apart from his numerous successes in international business relations his jokes added to the light mood of the event. The new ASSC committee was introduced and welcomed by a standing ovation by studentsThe aim of the university and department were achieved by the ASSC to not only bring diverse students together, but also to instil a spirit of Ubuntu in students. The borders of insecurities were crossed and new alliances were made, further encouraging unity through academic success in our students. The Masquerade ballproved to not be ordinary, but extra-ordinary in all her facets

of Valour

Bernoulli 2014 11

Masquerade ball 2014The Masquarade Ball 2014

Masquerade ball 2014The Masquarade Ball 2014

Tatenda Karonga posing with Siyabulela Xuza

by Tatenda Karonga

vibrant atmosphere. I’m sure I share this view with my other colleagues that it was an honour being in the same room with this innovative world renowned energy-engineering scientist. His inspiring life story attracted global attention from ordinary South Africans to well respected global icons like the first lady of United States of America, Michelle Obama. What really struck me was that despite all this international fame and success he remains humbled and just Siya.After being motivated by the Great Siya, the award-ing ceremony began. One could sense the sudden tension that arose in the atmosphere as we great-ly anticipated the announcement of the winners in each category. We couldn’t be more proud of our very own Miss Basson-as I call her due to the immense respect I personally have for this great individual. As always she didn’t disappoint and walked away with the top award of the night for her excellent creativity on values and views on the job marketability for aspiring graduates.As with everything the event had to come to an end. It was now ‘selfie’ time and of course delicacy that was awaiting to be indulged by us. INDEED WHAT A NIGHT TO REMEMBER.

Being invited to participate in the historic Allan Gray Achievements Awards function was not only a privilege but also a humbling experience, the thought of having other

people outside our affiliated institute recognising the little and at times vain efforts that we all put in our academic studies. Anyway enough of the sad stuff let’s quickly get to the interesting part.We arrived all wearing semi-formal glamorous out-fits and began casually talking to random people as we awaited to start the event. Smiles highlighted the whole scene and it was all warm and relaxing well this was the place to be away from the stressful student life.The event commenced with a warm welcome from the Dean of Economics and Management, Professor Kroukamp. With the company of my fellow class-mates-Paballo, Diedre and Jaundre -surely it promised to be an unforgettable night. Our beloved lecturer, Frans was also part of this amazing experience but only that he was not wearing the CT4 hat but the HOD one.It is impossible to talk of the ‘Allan Gray’ night whilst leaving out the guest speaker, the one and only char-ismatic Siyabulela Xuza. His poetic skills as well as eloquence did nothing but to spice up the already

14 Bernoulli 2014

For more information email us on

[email protected]

Potential employees ranging from Actuarial Science, Investment Science, Mathematical Statistics, Econo-metrics, Risk analysis to name a few will be around.

There will be top grade 11 and 12 learners from vari-ous schools in and around Bloemfontein

This is the most prestigious event for the Department of Mathematical Statistics and Actuarial Science.

This is the perfect platform to market your company, improve the communication level with some of the brightest students and create an advertisement route between potential bursary holders as well as potential employees.

AGENDA

Session with undergraduate and postgraduate students while the high school student obtain information on: life as an actuarial student, courses offered in the department as well as the Actuarial profession.

Session with top high school students

Refreshments will be served