“Graduating with my dad truly shows that nothing is impossible, and you are never too old to learn!” – Merisha Lalla
Johannesburg, South Africa (07 July 2021) – Graduating with an MBA degree is by itself an achievement but graduating side-by-side with your father is the ultimate success story for MANCOSA alumni Merisha Lalla.
Lalla, 35, attained a generational milestone when she and her father graduated with MBA degrees simultaneously.
“Graduating with my dad truly shows that nothing is impossible, and you are never too old to learn,” she said.
She recalled that growing up in the neighbourly community of Isipingo had its challenges but, her parents worked hard to ensure that she and her sister received the best education that they could afford.
Vasantharaj Hansrajh Lalla, Merisha’s father, said he always wanted to learn more and never allowed age to define the point at which one should stop learning.
“While managing time in my studies was a challenge in addition to my daily work, I really enjoyed studying alongside my daughter.
“Graduating side by side with Merisha has definitely been an incredibly proud and special moment to me,” he said.
As a journalist and a freelance TV and radio presenter, Merisha Lalla said she needed an institution that would deliver quality distance education with abundant support; and without breaking the bank. MANCOSA private higher education institution was her number one choice. Her sister previously graduated from the institution, and now she and her father are also MANCOSA alumni.
Leaving journalism for academia was the most difficult decision for Lalla. However, she later transitioned from pure academia to the business and academic combo, where she would continue to have a hand in journalism.
“Having a voice and the tools to effect real change – either via a talk, my radio show, or a class lesson – is the greatest reward I get from my job,” she said.
Lalla strives to make a difference in the Inclusive Education sector – focusing on the opportunities, resources, and challenges that physically and mentally challenged persons face post-school.
“Not enough is being done for these learners once they leave school and venture into the higher learning and corporate environments,” she said.
She also uses social media to effect change and to raise awareness on various issues.
“We cannot exist alone and must always extend ourselves as much as we can. Give back always; success will come,” she said.
Lalla looks forward to pursuing her PhD in the field of Inclusive Education to make a change in the lives of differently-abled persons. Her advice to the youth is to work both hard and smart while also helping others.
