By the end of the third term, I was filled with theoretical observations of Journalism, drilled to my head by the endless readings on the subject I had encountered this year. I thought I could not write stuff involving journalism on my terms, and I could no longer write in first person in my time at university. I thought that I was a robotic journalism student, drilled with theory and without a personality.
Upon realising that I was about to partake in a Blogging course for Journalism, I thought that I was going to finally step away from the theoretical teachings I had encountered through the year. I did not think that the course would go away from academic work, but the students would be blogging using further new stringent theories on the subject. As the term progressed, I was amazed at how all that I have learnt at Journalism this year, contributed immensely to the manner in which I wrote my blog posts. From the planning stages of each entry, I would think of which news values I was going to employ in my post, and what genre I was going to write on. I was enthused at witnessing the poignancy of my letter to my younger self, where I managed to balance raw emotion with the characteristics of the letter genre. The blogging course served as confirmation on how I had grasped the teachings in Journalism this year, and how I was able to adapt and interpret these teachings to my opiniative writing.
The experience of blogging for a full term made me quite productive. I tried to make time to add blog posts, but I did not make as many entries as I would have liked, due to the demands of my other subjects. This did not deter me from blogging, as even when I did not have anything to write, I would be streaming on other blogs, finding out what my Journalism classmates were writing about. I would also spend quite some time looking for ways to improve the quality of my group blog. These activities show how enthusiastic I have been about this course. The thrill of creating something meaningful,and of seeing the fruits created by myself, my blog group, and my other classmates elevated to a wider audience - a global internet community, got me very excited about this blogging course. As the term progressed, I saw the need to create my own personal blog. I saw that the main characteristics and intentions of my group blog were too narrow for the things I was thinking, and I needed my own blog to castrate all my thoughts, and to ensure that my blogging experience does not end this term.
The primary fixture of the Blogging course has been group work. I have noted the dissatisfaction of some students on the idea of group work, but I accepted this challenge, as it serves as training for our futures years at tertiary and in the working environment. Group work is a permanent practice in the workplace, as one will continuously be working with other people, and in the home environment, group work is an essential skill should one decide to venture into a long-term relationship, or start a family. With all the problems, delays and different opinions shown by my blog group during the course, and the patience and understanding we had to adopt, I can confirm in my humblest opinion that the Blogging course served as a means of personal growth for me, as I forced myself to maintain my patience and control my temperament during difficult times within my group. I have also come to value the practice of group work, as different opinions from different personalities, can turn to create a masterful piece of work, as was the case in the photo comic of my group. Despite their being many stressful encounters within the group, from a struggle to find a common agreement on certain aspects of the group, to the pressures of doing group assignments, I shall miss working with my group mates, as I came to appreciate the different sensibilities of each member of my group.
The question of whether blogging is journalism or not is one which has been placed before the JMS 1 students numerous times through the term, and I think that it does not warrant a debate. With the expansion of major newspapers to online technology, and various columnists expressing their journalistic work through blogs, I am under the impression that blogging is journalism. Sure, the largest share of bloggers are probably not journalists, and are just members of the public, who vary in their professions, but they all are reporting on issues which have struck them, which they feel could be relevant to other people. I interpret journalism as being just that, and the spread of such writing on the internet, not only reveals journalistic work to a wider audience, but also increases the number of those partaking in journalistic practice.
The culmination of researching items which may relate to my posts, finding sources, and putting a post together, has summed up the journalistic experience for me. Although I did not do too much research for the majority of my posts, I made sure that I had the correct sources as a point of reference to my blog posts. This enabled me not to break ethical grounds by plagiarising my work, and not to produce offensive blog post, which would incriminate people. I fostered much insight in this process of gathering information, and verifying it for my posts, and this contributed in my continued growth on this subject.
The JMS Blogging course was an appropriate way to end off my first year of doing journalism. I realised how I used all that I have learnt this year in producing dignified and presentable work on my blog With the great demands this course had, regarding submission deadlines and blog posting, and the joy of creating an online tool, visible to a wide audience, made this cause the most suitable teaching of surviving first year.
Mpondz
Friday, October 24, 2008
THE LAW OF ONE.... AND THE LAW OF MANY
We live our lives in accordance to some divine rule of law,abiding by those of the country and our own personal convictions.Sometimes we tend to want to do things that might be in contravention with one or the other. The rock or hard place. Striving for a safe alternative we choose that which is the most "normal" and societally acceptable. How do you decide to make a choice? Live by the law of the one or by the law of the many? How much of yourself do you sacrifice when making a hard decision? If there was a grey area between the rock and the hard place, where would you place yourself?
This was a blog i posted in my early beginings as a blogger on my blog verbal explosion, having written it initially just as to satisfy my longing to ask this question...... it rang true a couple of days ago, so I realised.... I have been in Grahamstown for close to a year now and in that time have lost and found myself more than once.... funny thing is, it happens more often now than it did before.
So i am what i am.... hoping to one day become......... and still to this day i eagerly await the day when i have found myself completely.
This was a blog i posted in my early beginings as a blogger on my blog verbal explosion, having written it initially just as to satisfy my longing to ask this question...... it rang true a couple of days ago, so I realised.... I have been in Grahamstown for close to a year now and in that time have lost and found myself more than once.... funny thing is, it happens more often now than it did before.
So i am what i am.... hoping to one day become......... and still to this day i eagerly await the day when i have found myself completely.
THE FIRST YEAR JOURN CLASS TUMBLE DRYER
And so the blogging began…….after a whole lot of other beginnings. I began my first year at Rhodes with acute knowledge about what journalism was all about, not only because all I knew was that I just wanted to write but also because the first year theme of surviving first year was very constricting in itself but also because of some of the challenges that came with the course.
And so I tried to navigate myself through the work, and as hard as I tried, it was hard sticking not only to deadlines but the big bad “genre characteristics” that like big bad monsters in a dark room kept constraining me from all angles. Granted that they existed and it took practice, news writing, vac-work, narrative and genre, narrative and genre and more narrative and genre.
And then the blog came, Dig My Rez it was. From working alone to working in a group with different people who had different ideas and different working techniques made life difficult. Until the day I almost lost my quota, adamant to fix it, and fix it I did. With my limited knowledge of the cyber sphere I managed to try and relate our blog character to our actual blog now that was hard work on its own. Trying to relate every piece of writing with it was even harder but alas a small and short lived victory it was.
“Make sure that the target audience is reached, make sure that the character of the blog is reflected, make sure that the polls are up to date and make sure you still post extra pieces of writing to the blog” said the voices in my head during the fourth term of working with narrative and genre and as the theme dragged on and became old so did the story ideas and trains of thought.
Was this even journalism? Confines and constraints in spaces filled with limitations of every kind, be it a word count, a written piece type or the infamous blog character. So many things to say, so little time in which to say them in and offcourse so many other factors to consider when writing about whatever it is I was writing about…… eternal frustration. Then the question arises, is journalism writing what you know how you know it or sticking to rules of writing what you know within the confines of not only the course but the different genre expectations.
Yes…. I have learnt and realised that writing is governed by rules, rules, and more rules and so I learnt to roll with the punches, kicking and screaming at every turn! “Help me, I am drowning” said the voice of helplessness in my head as the workload became too much to bear, the ideas slow in coming and the working slower. And so we tried as hard as we could to compromise, working in a group had its challenges, where going the extra mile was rare and to be avoided like the plague.
And so the struggle continued, as it were, trying to reflect on everything that is not right with the world and everything that was, trying to make sense of it all, Journalism and Media Studies it was. All this and more being done while “sticking to the game plan”.
And so I tried to navigate myself through the work, and as hard as I tried, it was hard sticking not only to deadlines but the big bad “genre characteristics” that like big bad monsters in a dark room kept constraining me from all angles. Granted that they existed and it took practice, news writing, vac-work, narrative and genre, narrative and genre and more narrative and genre.
And then the blog came, Dig My Rez it was. From working alone to working in a group with different people who had different ideas and different working techniques made life difficult. Until the day I almost lost my quota, adamant to fix it, and fix it I did. With my limited knowledge of the cyber sphere I managed to try and relate our blog character to our actual blog now that was hard work on its own. Trying to relate every piece of writing with it was even harder but alas a small and short lived victory it was.
“Make sure that the target audience is reached, make sure that the character of the blog is reflected, make sure that the polls are up to date and make sure you still post extra pieces of writing to the blog” said the voices in my head during the fourth term of working with narrative and genre and as the theme dragged on and became old so did the story ideas and trains of thought.
Was this even journalism? Confines and constraints in spaces filled with limitations of every kind, be it a word count, a written piece type or the infamous blog character. So many things to say, so little time in which to say them in and offcourse so many other factors to consider when writing about whatever it is I was writing about…… eternal frustration. Then the question arises, is journalism writing what you know how you know it or sticking to rules of writing what you know within the confines of not only the course but the different genre expectations.
Yes…. I have learnt and realised that writing is governed by rules, rules, and more rules and so I learnt to roll with the punches, kicking and screaming at every turn! “Help me, I am drowning” said the voice of helplessness in my head as the workload became too much to bear, the ideas slow in coming and the working slower. And so we tried as hard as we could to compromise, working in a group had its challenges, where going the extra mile was rare and to be avoided like the plague.
And so the struggle continued, as it were, trying to reflect on everything that is not right with the world and everything that was, trying to make sense of it all, Journalism and Media Studies it was. All this and more being done while “sticking to the game plan”.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Adding the missing pieces of the puzzle 1: The bedroom
I have detailed the rumbling, rampaging and probing occurences of the bathroom and common room at res, but have failed to touch on the steamy, yet freaky activities of the bedroom.
I spent the first night of my first term at university wide-eyed. Covered in my blanket whilst in bed, I was kept awake by the screatching sounds of a female student reaching an orgasm. I heard the voices of some perplexed first years laughing in the narrow passage in my res, mystified at the cries of this female. I shed laughter myself, as I was astounded at the naughty thoughts I was getting in my head, and I came to an emphatic realisation that I was far away from home.
Noises by female acquiantances of some of my res mates have not been a rarity at night. I have come to two conclusions to these imposing noises:
1. They are a reminder to some of us sex-starved students of what we are missing out on; or
2. They are a constant ring to the warnings our parents gave us regarding thaaat three letter word.
My bedroom at res is also my form of privacy, which I do not enjoy in the other areas at res. In my room, I can do things I would never do in public. I dance to songs which may not seem to be in my taste, I watch the occasional "chick-flick", which I attribute to me growing up with a cousin indulged in pop culture.
I spent the first night of my first term at university wide-eyed. Covered in my blanket whilst in bed, I was kept awake by the screatching sounds of a female student reaching an orgasm. I heard the voices of some perplexed first years laughing in the narrow passage in my res, mystified at the cries of this female. I shed laughter myself, as I was astounded at the naughty thoughts I was getting in my head, and I came to an emphatic realisation that I was far away from home.
Noises by female acquiantances of some of my res mates have not been a rarity at night. I have come to two conclusions to these imposing noises:
1. They are a reminder to some of us sex-starved students of what we are missing out on; or
2. They are a constant ring to the warnings our parents gave us regarding thaaat three letter word.
My bedroom at res is also my form of privacy, which I do not enjoy in the other areas at res. In my room, I can do things I would never do in public. I dance to songs which may not seem to be in my taste, I watch the occasional "chick-flick", which I attribute to me growing up with a cousin indulged in pop culture.
Falling off my seat in stitches
Exams are just two weeks away, and I have tried my best to relax my mind, and embrace the bouncy wall of studying. I have been sprung by an infectious emotion, one which is enriching, and has eased my mind towards the coming few weeks.
It is said that laughter heals stress, and I have come to find that out in a week in which I have been my most bubbly self. The thrill of laughter, which had been in short supply for me through this term with the storm of assignments which have come my way and other unfortunate occurences, has invigorated me, and emphatically reinstated the true essence of my character which is filled up with positivity.
Throughout the term I felt like a gnome. My smile was empty, as I was not really happy. I was stressing and felt little emotion and connectiveness to my surroundings. Slowly, as the term progressed, I felt I was going through a regressive phase. A phase similar to a butterfly going into a cacoon and becoming a moth again. In my case, my cacoon was my bed and work. I felt no joy in doing my work anymore, and for the first time, I questioned the sanity of me attending university.
I refer back to an earlier post, where I mentioned that res events tend to
"de-stress" me. This happened once again, as I maintain that the Adamson (yes, that's my res) Leaver's Dinner brought about a change in my mentality. For once, I forgot all about the books and had fun. I partied, and despite waking up heavy-headed, I felt joy once more. My happy mood prolonged for days, and eventually, I was happy again.
It would make me seem like a victim, to attribute my reinvigorance to that one night, but I wasn't, as I allowed my true character to resurface, and I welcomed it with an open heart.
Laughter has played a significant role in me remaining stress-free ever since. I located one of my favourite childhood satirical comedies, Mind Your Language, and watching it before my bedtime, has kept me in stiches. I also came across a most humourous episode which occured on national television, where a senior politician fell off a chair during a live interview. That has to rank among the funniest moments in the history of South Afican television. (Watch it please!)
I am happy, ambitious, determined, and willing once again, and I attribute all this to me enjoying life again, and ofcourse, the most fulfilling emotion of all, laughing!
Mpondz
It is said that laughter heals stress, and I have come to find that out in a week in which I have been my most bubbly self. The thrill of laughter, which had been in short supply for me through this term with the storm of assignments which have come my way and other unfortunate occurences, has invigorated me, and emphatically reinstated the true essence of my character which is filled up with positivity.
Throughout the term I felt like a gnome. My smile was empty, as I was not really happy. I was stressing and felt little emotion and connectiveness to my surroundings. Slowly, as the term progressed, I felt I was going through a regressive phase. A phase similar to a butterfly going into a cacoon and becoming a moth again. In my case, my cacoon was my bed and work. I felt no joy in doing my work anymore, and for the first time, I questioned the sanity of me attending university.
I refer back to an earlier post, where I mentioned that res events tend to
"de-stress" me. This happened once again, as I maintain that the Adamson (yes, that's my res) Leaver's Dinner brought about a change in my mentality. For once, I forgot all about the books and had fun. I partied, and despite waking up heavy-headed, I felt joy once more. My happy mood prolonged for days, and eventually, I was happy again.
It would make me seem like a victim, to attribute my reinvigorance to that one night, but I wasn't, as I allowed my true character to resurface, and I welcomed it with an open heart.
Laughter has played a significant role in me remaining stress-free ever since. I located one of my favourite childhood satirical comedies, Mind Your Language, and watching it before my bedtime, has kept me in stiches. I also came across a most humourous episode which occured on national television, where a senior politician fell off a chair during a live interview. That has to rank among the funniest moments in the history of South Afican television. (Watch it please!)
I am happy, ambitious, determined, and willing once again, and I attribute all this to me enjoying life again, and ofcourse, the most fulfilling emotion of all, laughing!
Mpondz
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Four continents in one digs !
Hey,
I cannot imagine what it must be liked to live with three other literally foreign students! I am the only girl living with eight other guys in my digs in Grahamstown, South Africa. It is rough at times – to say the least… and they are ALL South African even. At least we all share a similar culture. Although there is always culture within culture isn’t there? Peoples backgrounds are really vast in South Africa. I suppose that’s why we are called the “Rainbow Nation!”
I must admit that there are aspects of living amongst eight boys that I do enjoy. Not at all what you’re thinking!! Safety is an issue here in SA, so I do enjoy sleeping soundly at night knowing that one of the guys will take care of anything that might go wrong.
One solution to a problem I see you have with your people is to get a nanny in maybe once a week? We all chip in R10 on a Tuesday and Tracey comes in to mop floors, wash dishes, scrub the bathroom and generally pretty the place up a bit. As you can imagine, there are not too many feminine looking things around our digs! Our place looks like a golf course or recreational centre some days, other days likehttp://relm,evolution&ideocracy.blogspot.com/ a laundry mat and sometimes (most times), the place looks like a nightclub/rubbish dump!
How long have you been living in your digs for? This is my first year. I am studying Journalism and that is the reason that I did a search and came across your blog. You might want to check ours out. We are a group of four Journalism students at Rhodes University (http://www.ru.ac.za/). Check out our blog at http://digmyrez.blogspot.com/
Good Luck with exams if you are writing!
Cheers,
Michelle
I cannot imagine what it must be liked to live with three other literally foreign students! I am the only girl living with eight other guys in my digs in Grahamstown, South Africa. It is rough at times – to say the least… and they are ALL South African even. At least we all share a similar culture. Although there is always culture within culture isn’t there? Peoples backgrounds are really vast in South Africa. I suppose that’s why we are called the “Rainbow Nation!”
I must admit that there are aspects of living amongst eight boys that I do enjoy. Not at all what you’re thinking!! Safety is an issue here in SA, so I do enjoy sleeping soundly at night knowing that one of the guys will take care of anything that might go wrong.
One solution to a problem I see you have with your people is to get a nanny in maybe once a week? We all chip in R10 on a Tuesday and Tracey comes in to mop floors, wash dishes, scrub the bathroom and generally pretty the place up a bit. As you can imagine, there are not too many feminine looking things around our digs! Our place looks like a golf course or recreational centre some days, other days likehttp://relm,evolution&ideocracy.blogspot.com/ a laundry mat and sometimes (most times), the place looks like a nightclub/rubbish dump!
How long have you been living in your digs for? This is my first year. I am studying Journalism and that is the reason that I did a search and came across your blog. You might want to check ours out. We are a group of four Journalism students at Rhodes University (http://www.ru.ac.za/). Check out our blog at http://digmyrez.blogspot.com/
Good Luck with exams if you are writing!
Cheers,
Michelle
Dear: Your in irritation
Dear: Yours in irritation,
It seems as if you have not spoken to many – if any second, third, fourth, honors or master students in order to conclude your opinion piece. Two opinions from third years are that first year students are “immature” and “they spread (their legs).”Although these are harsh comments, insinuating that first years are irresponsible and promiscuous, these have been earned. Just as you claim that first years should not have to earn respect from more senior students, quite the contrary, they have earned these opinions, opinions that are self-inflicted and negative.
Have you considered that by being told that you are going to do badly academically if you continue to neglect your work, serves as a warning for you to get moving and actually put in the effort needed before it is too late? How can this be negative “psychology?” If someone warns you that you need to put in more effort or else you are not going to pass the year, you cannot then blame that person for speaking negativity over your life as a reason enough for your failure. Do you not think that this would simply be placing the blame on the advisor for your lack of self-discipline?
Good luck with exams!
http://jamminjacuzzi.blogspot.com
It seems as if you have not spoken to many – if any second, third, fourth, honors or master students in order to conclude your opinion piece. Two opinions from third years are that first year students are “immature” and “they spread (their legs).”Although these are harsh comments, insinuating that first years are irresponsible and promiscuous, these have been earned. Just as you claim that first years should not have to earn respect from more senior students, quite the contrary, they have earned these opinions, opinions that are self-inflicted and negative.
Have you considered that by being told that you are going to do badly academically if you continue to neglect your work, serves as a warning for you to get moving and actually put in the effort needed before it is too late? How can this be negative “psychology?” If someone warns you that you need to put in more effort or else you are not going to pass the year, you cannot then blame that person for speaking negativity over your life as a reason enough for your failure. Do you not think that this would simply be placing the blame on the advisor for your lack of self-discipline?
Good luck with exams!
http://jamminjacuzzi.blogspot.com
Friday, October 17, 2008
Shake Me Up Will You!
It was barely the beginning of O-week, when I, together with my newly formed acquaintances decided to explore High Street. It was a sunny day, and the town was sprung with excited first years, who were grasping their status as university students. It was during this day when I was exposed for the first time to the radical nature of some students here at Rhodes.
While walking quietly and absorbing the heat, my friends and I were greeted by two ladies of a charismatic religious society here at Rhodes. Being conservative when it comes to religion, and respecting my personal relationship with God, I was sprung back by the aggressive approach of one of the two ladies, who questioned me if I was saved, or if I wanted to accept God into my life. My mind exploded when she asked if I would be interested in joining her church, and if my friends and I were willing to pray with her and her accomplice on the street, amongst the rush of people walking past. This episode shook me up badly, as I did not appreciate some of the questions which were raised to me by the ladies, and the forceful manner in which they approached us, seemingly preying on our vulnerabilities of being new-comers at Rhodes, left a bad taste in my mouth about the religious society. I may have been too negative in associating the lady’s forceful approach to my friends and I to the rest of her society, but as the months progressed, I came to learn of many first years who had gone through the same experience as me during O-week.
My motivation to write on this experience, was raised by an episode this week, where a person from the same religious society as the two ladies who confronted my friends and I, asked to tell me a few things about the Bible. These approaches upset me, as I possess two Bibles (one in isiXhosa and another in English), so I am equipped to educate myself about religion, and should I see the need to explore more into religion, I could make queries to the relevant people.
The radical nature of Rhodes students has also been evident through the different political and cultural debates I have witnessed amongst students. Maybe their anger-filled opinions could be understandable on some quarters, but I believe that some political student societies here at Rhodes are radical. With their desire to be heard, and desperation to make a change to the university, some of these societies have gone through radical lengths to get their points of view heard. Perhaps they are fuelled by the inconsiderate, indifferent, and disappointing attitudes of some students, but I feel that these societies should play smart in their public appearances and rants, and represent the true essence of an educated future political scribe. Instances amongst students, where cultural differences would be raised in debates between two parties, and hidden behind the accusations of racism and xenophobia, have also caused quite a stir and numerous unsavoury relationships amongst some students. This is an unfortunate occurrence in an environment which nurtures learned individuals, and opened my eyes to the possibility that university is a first hand experience of the “real world”.
As a first year at Rhodes, one is emphatically exposed to the radical nature of some students and societies, and it is a test for one not to succumb to those who prey on their vulnerabilities, and to keep a level head in heated and impassioned displays of anger brought about by cultural and political differences.
Mpondz
While walking quietly and absorbing the heat, my friends and I were greeted by two ladies of a charismatic religious society here at Rhodes. Being conservative when it comes to religion, and respecting my personal relationship with God, I was sprung back by the aggressive approach of one of the two ladies, who questioned me if I was saved, or if I wanted to accept God into my life. My mind exploded when she asked if I would be interested in joining her church, and if my friends and I were willing to pray with her and her accomplice on the street, amongst the rush of people walking past. This episode shook me up badly, as I did not appreciate some of the questions which were raised to me by the ladies, and the forceful manner in which they approached us, seemingly preying on our vulnerabilities of being new-comers at Rhodes, left a bad taste in my mouth about the religious society. I may have been too negative in associating the lady’s forceful approach to my friends and I to the rest of her society, but as the months progressed, I came to learn of many first years who had gone through the same experience as me during O-week.
My motivation to write on this experience, was raised by an episode this week, where a person from the same religious society as the two ladies who confronted my friends and I, asked to tell me a few things about the Bible. These approaches upset me, as I possess two Bibles (one in isiXhosa and another in English), so I am equipped to educate myself about religion, and should I see the need to explore more into religion, I could make queries to the relevant people.
The radical nature of Rhodes students has also been evident through the different political and cultural debates I have witnessed amongst students. Maybe their anger-filled opinions could be understandable on some quarters, but I believe that some political student societies here at Rhodes are radical. With their desire to be heard, and desperation to make a change to the university, some of these societies have gone through radical lengths to get their points of view heard. Perhaps they are fuelled by the inconsiderate, indifferent, and disappointing attitudes of some students, but I feel that these societies should play smart in their public appearances and rants, and represent the true essence of an educated future political scribe. Instances amongst students, where cultural differences would be raised in debates between two parties, and hidden behind the accusations of racism and xenophobia, have also caused quite a stir and numerous unsavoury relationships amongst some students. This is an unfortunate occurrence in an environment which nurtures learned individuals, and opened my eyes to the possibility that university is a first hand experience of the “real world”.
As a first year at Rhodes, one is emphatically exposed to the radical nature of some students and societies, and it is a test for one not to succumb to those who prey on their vulnerabilities, and to keep a level head in heated and impassioned displays of anger brought about by cultural and political differences.
Mpondz
IS IT SOMETHING IN THE ENVIRONMENT?
The one year where you should make mistakes, break a couple of hearts and laws while you are at it, lie in drunken stupors now and again and wake up next to random strangers until you are proclaimed the all enduring, all responsible third year (second year fades into oblivion in between). Irresponsibility in first year has become such a norm that responsibility becomes a deviation. It is not to say however that all first years are irresponsible but that the University environment and perception that it perpetuates in terms of the conduct of first years is closely related. “.It then all boils down to the question of choice do first years choose to be irresponsible or does the University environment promote irresponsibility? Be the change you want to see in the world (Mahatma Ghandi)”
The idea of having control of your own life and are responsible for all your major decisions that in the past years have been in the hands of your parents puts one in a different position, that of responsibility. What you choose therefore becomes the basis of the consequences, good or bad. Choices like living in res or digs, taking a subject or dropping it, going to classes or bunking them etc. can seem like minor decisions but they are all a reflection of your character but also of how responsible or irresponsible you are. However because there are little expectations placed on first year’s in relation to other students in different years of study can breed an attitude of ignorance and oblivious bliss because some forms of behaviour are “expected” of first years, are “normal” for them and are therefore” tolerated” in the hope that they will “grow out of it” but some don’t and end up dropping out of University because of the enormous pressure placed upon them in the expectation for them to be responsible with concern to school work but the opposite when it comes to the social side of things.
This not only sends off a mixed signal but also fools many a first year into a false sense of security concerning their balance between study time and fun time, with fun time being of utmost importance. The question of maturity then comes into play, granted that the maturity level of an individual is very important in their decision making processes. Can it then be said that many first years lack the maturity in order to make responsible decisions and take responsibility for themselves and their actions and still be able to deal with the enormous amounts of freedom from control afforded by the university environment? Should the University be held responsible for their lack of reasoning and judgment?
The University environment not only comprises of academics but also the non-academic (and in Grahamstown that means New Street). Although the University has no control over these external entities, it has influence on the students. The assumption of the level of maturity amongst first years is a misleading factor in how the university approaches the subject of “socialising” by promoting sober habits but with no real emphasis on taking responsibility and focusing on why you are at University in the first place. It then boils down to the manner of interpretation. Is the situation really out of control and does the University environment promotes irresponsibility or is it a matter of self control and maturity both in judgement and rationalisation and who takes responsibility? First yeas should be given more guidance rather than being left to their own devices as it were in order to help nurture their maturity in order for them to take more responsibility.
The idea of having control of your own life and are responsible for all your major decisions that in the past years have been in the hands of your parents puts one in a different position, that of responsibility. What you choose therefore becomes the basis of the consequences, good or bad. Choices like living in res or digs, taking a subject or dropping it, going to classes or bunking them etc. can seem like minor decisions but they are all a reflection of your character but also of how responsible or irresponsible you are. However because there are little expectations placed on first year’s in relation to other students in different years of study can breed an attitude of ignorance and oblivious bliss because some forms of behaviour are “expected” of first years, are “normal” for them and are therefore” tolerated” in the hope that they will “grow out of it” but some don’t and end up dropping out of University because of the enormous pressure placed upon them in the expectation for them to be responsible with concern to school work but the opposite when it comes to the social side of things.
This not only sends off a mixed signal but also fools many a first year into a false sense of security concerning their balance between study time and fun time, with fun time being of utmost importance. The question of maturity then comes into play, granted that the maturity level of an individual is very important in their decision making processes. Can it then be said that many first years lack the maturity in order to make responsible decisions and take responsibility for themselves and their actions and still be able to deal with the enormous amounts of freedom from control afforded by the university environment? Should the University be held responsible for their lack of reasoning and judgment?
The University environment not only comprises of academics but also the non-academic (and in Grahamstown that means New Street). Although the University has no control over these external entities, it has influence on the students. The assumption of the level of maturity amongst first years is a misleading factor in how the university approaches the subject of “socialising” by promoting sober habits but with no real emphasis on taking responsibility and focusing on why you are at University in the first place. It then boils down to the manner of interpretation. Is the situation really out of control and does the University environment promotes irresponsibility or is it a matter of self control and maturity both in judgement and rationalisation and who takes responsibility? First yeas should be given more guidance rather than being left to their own devices as it were in order to help nurture their maturity in order for them to take more responsibility.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Reflections on a drugged up student
I have been hearing numerous stories of students who have fallen foul to the drink, drugs, or even sex, and influenced by my blog group's photo comic, I have decided to "practice" what I have learned in English 1, and scribbled a modernist piece, influenced by a renowned DH Lawrence poem.
"When will the bell ring, and end this weariness"...
... The stupor he felt upon realising his freedom, gave rise to a higher stupor of alcohol-induced excitement. The powdery delights proved to quench his recreational thirst, as he thought of himself as being beyond the simplicities of life. The more he indulged in his newly-found ways, the more he convinced his folks on how well he was doing, and the greater delight he found in his abusive tendancies.
Frail-looking and pimpled, purple rings surrounding his falling eyes, the delights of his deeds were taking their toll. [It's amazing how one realises the consequences of their actions, after partaking in that action]. The glow in his eyes, apparent after initially seeing his delightful treasure of indulgences, was replaced by polluted tears of disgust, tears which released the strength in him, which was over-powered by the delights of evil.
He finds himself powerless over the evils of his adopted delights, and despite help being around him, his mind refuses to acknowledge this. Resigned, depressed, and desperate, his deteriorating self asks, "When will the bell ring, and end this weariness".
Mpondz
"When will the bell ring, and end this weariness"...
... The stupor he felt upon realising his freedom, gave rise to a higher stupor of alcohol-induced excitement. The powdery delights proved to quench his recreational thirst, as he thought of himself as being beyond the simplicities of life. The more he indulged in his newly-found ways, the more he convinced his folks on how well he was doing, and the greater delight he found in his abusive tendancies.
Frail-looking and pimpled, purple rings surrounding his falling eyes, the delights of his deeds were taking their toll. [It's amazing how one realises the consequences of their actions, after partaking in that action]. The glow in his eyes, apparent after initially seeing his delightful treasure of indulgences, was replaced by polluted tears of disgust, tears which released the strength in him, which was over-powered by the delights of evil.
He finds himself powerless over the evils of his adopted delights, and despite help being around him, his mind refuses to acknowledge this. Resigned, depressed, and desperate, his deteriorating self asks, "When will the bell ring, and end this weariness".
Mpondz
O, thou art dull!
This weather Grahamstown is experiencing reminds of the typical English or Western European village TV series' I used to watch while growing up. The dark, misty, and wet settings of programes and movies such as Les Miserables, Oliver Twist have made me easily think that I am stranded in some dull, depressing England village.
I was under the impression that the heat of earlier last week was the beginning of summer, but that was emphatically changed by the mini-tornado
which struck our little town. O Grahamstown, thou art DULL!
The dullness of the town has taken its toll on my res as well, as it has been pretty quiet, despite a big weekend. The past weekend included the Awards Evening of my res, but I shall keep mum on the award I received. The evening was a great success, with many intoxicated bodies spreading across the dreaded New Street afterwards. I also went out, but was overwhelmed by all the drama at the party I attended... Have I not partied for such a long time!!!
The misty weather outside has also created that lazy atmosphere at res, and a steamy stinch across the passages. How can we enjoy a chill session in the common room with such conditions, and get in the mood to study? I HATE this weather!
Mpondz
I was under the impression that the heat of earlier last week was the beginning of summer, but that was emphatically changed by the mini-tornado
which struck our little town. O Grahamstown, thou art DULL!
The dullness of the town has taken its toll on my res as well, as it has been pretty quiet, despite a big weekend. The past weekend included the Awards Evening of my res, but I shall keep mum on the award I received. The evening was a great success, with many intoxicated bodies spreading across the dreaded New Street afterwards. I also went out, but was overwhelmed by all the drama at the party I attended... Have I not partied for such a long time!!!
The misty weather outside has also created that lazy atmosphere at res, and a steamy stinch across the passages. How can we enjoy a chill session in the common room with such conditions, and get in the mood to study? I HATE this weather!
Mpondz
The dish-washing experience
"IF it is to be it begins with me" my school principal used to say........and patiently sitting in the school hall we would listen and absorb. This thought came to mind as I was washing the dishes.....and so I had decided "to be the change I wanted to see in the world" I stood for a minute contemplating who had said that, I was sure i had read it somewhere........Oh well, life goes on.....so the weekend had gone by without me loosing my mind, amazing at the rate things had been going (had started to feel i was fighting a loosing battle, with myself).
A couple of friends of mine want to go to Port Alfred after exams.... this thought takes my imagination on a wonderous adventure....... imagine the fun in the sun, the memories, the warm beach nights with the friends you will never forget and all that laughter..... and then I heard it........breaking glass
For more than a moment i had forgeten what i was doing...... and thus the glass broke. It was a sign..... daydreams aside, I was going to have one of those days.... once again
A couple of friends of mine want to go to Port Alfred after exams.... this thought takes my imagination on a wonderous adventure....... imagine the fun in the sun, the memories, the warm beach nights with the friends you will never forget and all that laughter..... and then I heard it........breaking glass
For more than a moment i had forgeten what i was doing...... and thus the glass broke. It was a sign..... daydreams aside, I was going to have one of those days.... once again
Monday, October 13, 2008
THE DEADLINE RUSH
To say that deadlines are stressful and put you under alot of pressure to perfrom is such an understatement......... finally falling asleep infront of a computer at two in the morning, only to find that your assignment has been deleted some how is not funny, what is even less hillarious is the fact that it's due in the morning....... so what are you to do then? Many a Rhodent have opted for the beloved LOA. The ultimate excusal (if there even exists such a word!) from submiting anythng and evrithing, but what happens when it's honestly not your fault and your excuse is the oldest one in the book?
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Eish!
I am bracing myself for one of my most congested weeks this year! I have so much to do, but my mind does not seem to be agreeing to my heavy workload... I am bloody lazy today!
I have been stuck in my room for most of the day, attempting to read the intimidating book I have to write about for my History essay, and I haven't got too far with that. I also have an English essay due next Friday, along with my History essay, so I have to finish one of them this weekend. My frustrations have been erupted by a story I'm supposed to cover for Oppi Press, where my contact has not follwed up on his promise to email me my required information on time. There is also an awkwardly timed AGM I have to attend next Thursday night, which is usually my busiest night with the books during the week.
Well, I did not anticipate this burst of frustration, but this pretty much confirms that I am stressed. While writing this, I have also noticed a pattern. After a very stressful week for me, there is always an event which I am obliged to attend, which I'd say "de-stresses" me. I have noticed that the most stressful encounters for me this year have been followed by res functions such as the House braais, and the Perv Party, and this week is no different from the coincidences I have noted. My res is having its awards evening/ball next Saturday, and I have yet to organise a date - I'm so slack this year! I'm looking forward to that night, as it will be the perfect way to detox all the stress I sure will gain through the week, and am looking forward to seeing numerous awards being given to the characters of my res. I figure the res drunkard, the "slouch potato", and the shower singer are due major awards. That's how I see it atleast!
Mpondz
I have been stuck in my room for most of the day, attempting to read the intimidating book I have to write about for my History essay, and I haven't got too far with that. I also have an English essay due next Friday, along with my History essay, so I have to finish one of them this weekend. My frustrations have been erupted by a story I'm supposed to cover for Oppi Press, where my contact has not follwed up on his promise to email me my required information on time. There is also an awkwardly timed AGM I have to attend next Thursday night, which is usually my busiest night with the books during the week.
Well, I did not anticipate this burst of frustration, but this pretty much confirms that I am stressed. While writing this, I have also noticed a pattern. After a very stressful week for me, there is always an event which I am obliged to attend, which I'd say "de-stresses" me. I have noticed that the most stressful encounters for me this year have been followed by res functions such as the House braais, and the Perv Party, and this week is no different from the coincidences I have noted. My res is having its awards evening/ball next Saturday, and I have yet to organise a date - I'm so slack this year! I'm looking forward to that night, as it will be the perfect way to detox all the stress I sure will gain through the week, and am looking forward to seeing numerous awards being given to the characters of my res. I figure the res drunkard, the "slouch potato", and the shower singer are due major awards. That's how I see it atleast!
Mpondz
Thursday, October 2, 2008
THE FORCED INDEPENDENCE
You wake up in the mornging to realise that you had a late start, there is no hot water ( thanks to your housemates) and your lecture starts in half an hour, u live 20 minutes off campus......having a bad day? not yet.... there is more. You get to campus and realise that there is a compulsory lecture the same time you have your doctors appointment, which you cant shift to a later time becuase of the test you are wrtiting that evening... that you did'nt have time to study for because of the two essays you had to write. Ok, maybe this is a gross over-exaggeration but we have all had those vasity days when it seems like the powers that be are against you in every way. So you feel you have thrown in the deep end.... stop the pity party. Who said other aspects of being in unversity other than the lecture theatre part of it would not constitute learning? So maybe today, yesterday and last week were bad, surely you can do someting about them...
FIRST YEAR SECOND TIME AROUND
Ceaser Mata not only calls Grahamstown home but has had most of his educational experiences here. “I never left Grahamstown after high school because I wanted to assist my mother in raising my brother and I felt that I was not spiritually ready to leave”. His very first impression of Rhodes was one of naïve bewilderment. That experience however was a year ago….
When he first came to Rhodes Ceaser had his hear t set on doing a Bachelor of Journalism. His life however took on a different path very soon after becoming a Rhodent. In his first year, he made what he terms irresponsible choices. “First year was fun, went out a lot and experience every sphere of Rhodes life, and ultimately lost control of my life”. He smiles as he reflects on his escapades, the fun and rowdy nights in New Street and Huntley where he used to frequent. Nights that have since only become flashbacks of the person he used to be and the lifestyle he used to live. His charming smile that had brightened up the initial stages of the conversation disappears to be replaced by a stern and serious expression. “This year, things have changed; I am going out less and studying more and am making really genuine friends” he smiles as he utters the last few words. The conviction and determination in his voice is hard to miss. Being in first year again has taught him to let go of the high school approach to things and to realise his main purpose of being at university. “I am now sure of what I want to do and have learnt from my mistakes the first time around” he said. He has now made more sound choices with relation to his study choice and career path.
Ceaser has made many lifestyle changes, growing in his decision making but also in his faith as a member of the River of Life Ministries. “It is very easy to loose focus in a place like Rhodes, you can loose track if you can’t prioritise”. He adamantly reiterates how he plans to apply the lessons he learnt the first time around to the rest of his life.
When talking about regrets, he is quick to point out that being in fist year, the first time around was a learning curb for him. A very serious expression takes over his soft features as he reflects on his one regret. “I wish somebody had scared me, told me that varsity was not child’s play and to leave what I thought I was and what I thought I knew in high school behind because university is a whole different ball game. The bar has been raised”. Looking back now Ceaser has realised that if you can’t balance your lifestyle and work, stick to the working, it’s why you are here. Before parting Ceaser soberly cautions that at the end of the day…. you live with your choices and decision, if you don’t make wise ones, you suffer the consequences. Ceaser has now clearly just arrived at University, in his second year at Rhodes and doing his first year with a fresh new outlook on life and no regrets, adamant to do things right this time around.
When he first came to Rhodes Ceaser had his hear t set on doing a Bachelor of Journalism. His life however took on a different path very soon after becoming a Rhodent. In his first year, he made what he terms irresponsible choices. “First year was fun, went out a lot and experience every sphere of Rhodes life, and ultimately lost control of my life”. He smiles as he reflects on his escapades, the fun and rowdy nights in New Street and Huntley where he used to frequent. Nights that have since only become flashbacks of the person he used to be and the lifestyle he used to live. His charming smile that had brightened up the initial stages of the conversation disappears to be replaced by a stern and serious expression. “This year, things have changed; I am going out less and studying more and am making really genuine friends” he smiles as he utters the last few words. The conviction and determination in his voice is hard to miss. Being in first year again has taught him to let go of the high school approach to things and to realise his main purpose of being at university. “I am now sure of what I want to do and have learnt from my mistakes the first time around” he said. He has now made more sound choices with relation to his study choice and career path.
Ceaser has made many lifestyle changes, growing in his decision making but also in his faith as a member of the River of Life Ministries. “It is very easy to loose focus in a place like Rhodes, you can loose track if you can’t prioritise”. He adamantly reiterates how he plans to apply the lessons he learnt the first time around to the rest of his life.
When talking about regrets, he is quick to point out that being in fist year, the first time around was a learning curb for him. A very serious expression takes over his soft features as he reflects on his one regret. “I wish somebody had scared me, told me that varsity was not child’s play and to leave what I thought I was and what I thought I knew in high school behind because university is a whole different ball game. The bar has been raised”. Looking back now Ceaser has realised that if you can’t balance your lifestyle and work, stick to the working, it’s why you are here. Before parting Ceaser soberly cautions that at the end of the day…. you live with your choices and decision, if you don’t make wise ones, you suffer the consequences. Ceaser has now clearly just arrived at University, in his second year at Rhodes and doing his first year with a fresh new outlook on life and no regrets, adamant to do things right this time around.
When Tradition Flourishes
The lead singer of the renowned Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Joseph Shabalala, once said, “Tradition is a seed planted by God”. Reserved by nature, and maintaining the strict principles of tradition he has learnt in his upbringing, Lawrence Magombe has lived a life of great discipline and application in his tasks, and has refused to divert from his cultural values to feel accepted in his new surroundings of Rhodes University.
Born at Bonda National Hospital in Muntare, Zimbabwe, Lawrence is the second born of five children, and together with his family, spent his entire upbringing in the agricultural region of Nyanga, in Municaland. He speaks passionately about his hometown, and behind the delicate tone of his voice, lies a great sense of pride. “We live in a rural, mountainous area,” he states. “We earn a living through agriculture, and tourists also visit through the summer,” he adds.
He becomes mystified when speaking of the general attitude of tourists who visit his hometown. “Some tourists are inconsiderate,” he states. His motivation for this statement lies in some tourists’ lack of respect for his community’s traditional values. “They do not respect our culture. They would do funny things, like having sex in public areas”. Magombe comes from a strict African society, which follows stringent principles, so rebellious behaviour is strongly condemned in his community. Lawrence does admit that he has developed a very good relationship with a tourist who once visited his hometown. “John was very social. I do not know his surname, but we became so close, it was like we grew up together”. Lawrence is still in contact with John, and he comes across as a person who savours good friendships.
Lawrence’s quietness may make him seem like a distant figure, but the language barrier and his dedication to his books seem to have raised this misconception of him. He has a brilliant academic record, which has paved his road to Rhodes. “I was
elected the best student in the District in Nyanga, after my O-levels in 2004,” he says, tracing his early achievements. “It was a great achievement, as I felt like I was having a greater value in the community,” he adds, with a sense of confidence evident in his voice.
He continued to achieve academically, and the possibility of studying in South Africa surfaces. “I initially planned to study at the University of Zimbabwe, but when I was named the best student in the district, I got a Presidential Scholarship to study in this country,” he says. He waited until the completion of his A-levels to make use of the scholarship, and made a decision to attend Rhodes University. “I learnt that Rhodes is the second best university in Africa, so I did not think too hard about where I wanted to go,” he says with the gentle smile on his face.
The reality of Lawrence being away from his agricultural society, hit the moment he arrived at Rhodes. “I was confused when I got here. Rhodes seemed like a big town,” he says. With his traditional values firmly intact, he was immediately struck by the cultural differences here at Rhodes and in his own community. “I saw girls smoking, and wearing funny clothing. Girls do not behave like that where I come from,” he states, with a concerned look on his face. Coming from a patriarchal society, which equally demands good behaviour of men, he is also concerned about the general partying at Rhodes. Speaking of those students who seem to be dissolved in the partying culture, Lawrence feels ashamed of them. “They seem to divert from their main objective of studying. There are others though who limit their drinking, and that is fine,” he adds.
Lawrence Magombe is an individual who has managed to uphold his strict traditional principles through his first year at Rhodes, and this has enabled him to continue flourishing academically, and not to fall prey to the various distractions at tertiary. In his reserved self, there is an awareness of the importance of him to do well at university, and an unflappable determination to reward those who have had faith in him
throughout his academic studies.
Born at Bonda National Hospital in Muntare, Zimbabwe, Lawrence is the second born of five children, and together with his family, spent his entire upbringing in the agricultural region of Nyanga, in Municaland. He speaks passionately about his hometown, and behind the delicate tone of his voice, lies a great sense of pride. “We live in a rural, mountainous area,” he states. “We earn a living through agriculture, and tourists also visit through the summer,” he adds.
He becomes mystified when speaking of the general attitude of tourists who visit his hometown. “Some tourists are inconsiderate,” he states. His motivation for this statement lies in some tourists’ lack of respect for his community’s traditional values. “They do not respect our culture. They would do funny things, like having sex in public areas”. Magombe comes from a strict African society, which follows stringent principles, so rebellious behaviour is strongly condemned in his community. Lawrence does admit that he has developed a very good relationship with a tourist who once visited his hometown. “John was very social. I do not know his surname, but we became so close, it was like we grew up together”. Lawrence is still in contact with John, and he comes across as a person who savours good friendships.
Lawrence’s quietness may make him seem like a distant figure, but the language barrier and his dedication to his books seem to have raised this misconception of him. He has a brilliant academic record, which has paved his road to Rhodes. “I was
elected the best student in the District in Nyanga, after my O-levels in 2004,” he says, tracing his early achievements. “It was a great achievement, as I felt like I was having a greater value in the community,” he adds, with a sense of confidence evident in his voice.
He continued to achieve academically, and the possibility of studying in South Africa surfaces. “I initially planned to study at the University of Zimbabwe, but when I was named the best student in the district, I got a Presidential Scholarship to study in this country,” he says. He waited until the completion of his A-levels to make use of the scholarship, and made a decision to attend Rhodes University. “I learnt that Rhodes is the second best university in Africa, so I did not think too hard about where I wanted to go,” he says with the gentle smile on his face.
The reality of Lawrence being away from his agricultural society, hit the moment he arrived at Rhodes. “I was confused when I got here. Rhodes seemed like a big town,” he says. With his traditional values firmly intact, he was immediately struck by the cultural differences here at Rhodes and in his own community. “I saw girls smoking, and wearing funny clothing. Girls do not behave like that where I come from,” he states, with a concerned look on his face. Coming from a patriarchal society, which equally demands good behaviour of men, he is also concerned about the general partying at Rhodes. Speaking of those students who seem to be dissolved in the partying culture, Lawrence feels ashamed of them. “They seem to divert from their main objective of studying. There are others though who limit their drinking, and that is fine,” he adds.
Lawrence Magombe is an individual who has managed to uphold his strict traditional principles through his first year at Rhodes, and this has enabled him to continue flourishing academically, and not to fall prey to the various distractions at tertiary. In his reserved self, there is an awareness of the importance of him to do well at university, and an unflappable determination to reward those who have had faith in him
throughout his academic studies.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Bathroom Blues
Some of the most irritating moments for me at res occur from the bathroom. Early in the mornings I would prepare to shower so I could attend early tutorials or lectures, but the showers would always be full. There has been a time where a queue for the showers developed, and with my reluctance to leave res without washing, and also due to navigating the grime inside the showers, I have been late for numerous early morning lectures.
There are also individuals at res who like to test their vocal abilities or inabilities in the shower. My room is at the far end of the bathroom at res, but I continuously hear the same voice glorifying his mood in the shower through his singing. There have also been occasions when I would also be showering in the same time as him, and with his crackling voice, I would be tempted to open up in song to cover up his punishing singing. My awareness of my inability to sing has prevented me from doing so.
I have also come across some ghastly scenes in the bathroom. Once I was about to brush my teeth when I crossed a sink filled with gag. I assume that it was a drunkard who decided to throw up in a bathroom sink, as there was no effort made to drain it. Issues of men URINATING in bathroom sinks have also been raised at res, and this raises a perception of people being insensitive to their res mates on certain issues relating to hygiene.
Female students who sleep in at my res have also caused quite a stir amongst the gentlemen there. Since the guest bathroom is located next to the downstairs common room, which is the more populated of the two common rooms at res, the ladies would have to pass us before getting to their destination at the bathroom. I have seen awkwardness on their faces as they pass a testosterone infested room, and have been part of the silent laughter the guys would have thereafter.
Just as the common room is the cloud of all emotions, the bathroom is the steaming and boiling of all emotions at res.
Mpondz
Step away from the kitchen Michelle
The kitchen is not really a place where i express my strengths. In fact, i am rather useless at cooking. I have been vegetarian for 17 years and am considered to be a "fussy." My digs mates Nick and Bret cook woderful looking and smelling dishes, but i always insist on cooking for myself. This usually includes toast, more toast, and another piece of toast. Toast for breakfast (because it's easy, cheap and fast), toast for lunch - with cup of soup thrown in to inhance the flavour, and ... usually a bowl of microwaved vegetables with tuna for diner. My uncle once said something to me that stuck. He said "Poeple should eat to live and not live to eat." If i lived to eat, i suppose life would be quite plain. Like bread is! This is my older sister who is way capable in her kitchen. In some ways i think that i should start taking tips, but then i think about it, and toasted sandwiches and veggies really are healthy enough on their own. My digs mates really do cook healthy meals for themselves. They impress me because they've got things down - even cheese sauce! On a Monday, our kitchen looks like we are moving house, every dish possible is dirty! But, on Tuesdays we have a nanny called Tracey who keeps everything sterilised and good to go. During the weeks though, we all do our bits to keep our digs kitchen clean.
Profile: Kirstin is first
Kirstin is first
Word count: 669
By Michelle Rowe
Active drama student, Kirstin Mcgillivray, thoroughly enjoys being a first year student at Rhodes University. “Drama is awesome! It allows you to be able to express yourself and be creative at the same time” says fair, flawless complexioned, waist-long blond haired Kirstin, while puffing on a cigarette outside the drama department. Her black and white v-shaped scarf, match her ivory, Victorian-laced head-band that holds back her loosely, up-styled hairdo. Kirstin says, while gesturing with her hands excitedly “The work that we do here will never ever be repeated again anywhere in the world.” With her feminine husky voice full of zeal and passion she says “there will never be anything exactly like it again.”
Kirstin is a positive, talented, wildly creative achiever who is passionate about life. She strives to “try new things and make things happen!” She aims to achieve academically through drama and dreams of finding a glamorous career in the field one day. Kirstin is inspired by Actress Merryl Streep and says “She is my hero.”
As well as drama, Kirstin takes an additional three academic subjects although they do not interest her largely. Through a white smile she says “I find one of our soc(iology) lecturers really boring” and “I’m just taking them so that I can get my credits for my degree.” Although she does not plan to use these subjects extensively within her future, she understands the importance of these credits and the essential role that they play in the compulsory point system in order for her to complete her degree.
Howick, KZN is home to Kirstin and her family. She says convincingly “I don’t really miss home all that much… unless I’m feeling sick or something.” Kirstin believes that residences are vital for all first year students. She says “Res is the best choice that I made. It forces you to come out of your shell and to interact with others.”
Many first year students do not handle the issue of homesickness as well as Kirstin has. A large amount of first years isolate themselves, slip into a state of depression and withdraw from fellow students. Many students seek professional therapy offered on campus for free by Rhodes University. Kirstin says that “Res forces you to build relationships and make friends with the people you live alongside.” “It is the perfect place to meet new people that you can trust and rely on” she says.
Cultural differences have never been an issue for Kirstin. Instead, she embraces every person that she encounters. She believes that “Rhodes caters for everyone; there is something for everyone offered here at Rhodes.” This is an important issue, particularly for first year students who are new to Rhodes University and come from many different backgrounds and experiences. One way of interacting with others is through various societies. Kirstin belongs to several societies. She also trains at the Rhodes gym as well as plays the “odd social game of hockey from time to time.”
Kirstin values the friendships and the support that she has received from her new friends at Rhodes. Kirstin says “I love my independence here at Rhodes. I enjoy my social life in Grahamstown and I love meeting up with and making new friends. We have so much fun.”
Kristin remembers a hilarious experience during second term. She says “Botha house held a drinking event called ‘Mud Olympics.’ Guys literally dive into a massive hole in the ground full of mud!” She says laughing uncontrollably “It’s so funny; guys literally bolt for people standing and watching.” She says in hysterics “My best friend wearing a white cricket jersey was watching. She ran for her life but she dropped her cell-phone and a guy grabbed her and literally chucked her in!”
19 Year old Kirstin has a confident, happy, positive and relaxed attitude towards life. She is an example to all first year Rhodians because of her ability to maintain this attitude towards her studies and social life. She says “This year has been an amazing experience. I see myself working hard and really enjoying the next two years at Rhodes.”
http://facebook.com
Word count: 669
By Michelle Rowe
Active drama student, Kirstin Mcgillivray, thoroughly enjoys being a first year student at Rhodes University. “Drama is awesome! It allows you to be able to express yourself and be creative at the same time” says fair, flawless complexioned, waist-long blond haired Kirstin, while puffing on a cigarette outside the drama department. Her black and white v-shaped scarf, match her ivory, Victorian-laced head-band that holds back her loosely, up-styled hairdo. Kirstin says, while gesturing with her hands excitedly “The work that we do here will never ever be repeated again anywhere in the world.” With her feminine husky voice full of zeal and passion she says “there will never be anything exactly like it again.”
Kirstin is a positive, talented, wildly creative achiever who is passionate about life. She strives to “try new things and make things happen!” She aims to achieve academically through drama and dreams of finding a glamorous career in the field one day. Kirstin is inspired by Actress Merryl Streep and says “She is my hero.”
As well as drama, Kirstin takes an additional three academic subjects although they do not interest her largely. Through a white smile she says “I find one of our soc(iology) lecturers really boring” and “I’m just taking them so that I can get my credits for my degree.” Although she does not plan to use these subjects extensively within her future, she understands the importance of these credits and the essential role that they play in the compulsory point system in order for her to complete her degree.
Howick, KZN is home to Kirstin and her family. She says convincingly “I don’t really miss home all that much… unless I’m feeling sick or something.” Kirstin believes that residences are vital for all first year students. She says “Res is the best choice that I made. It forces you to come out of your shell and to interact with others.”
Many first year students do not handle the issue of homesickness as well as Kirstin has. A large amount of first years isolate themselves, slip into a state of depression and withdraw from fellow students. Many students seek professional therapy offered on campus for free by Rhodes University. Kirstin says that “Res forces you to build relationships and make friends with the people you live alongside.” “It is the perfect place to meet new people that you can trust and rely on” she says.
Cultural differences have never been an issue for Kirstin. Instead, she embraces every person that she encounters. She believes that “Rhodes caters for everyone; there is something for everyone offered here at Rhodes.” This is an important issue, particularly for first year students who are new to Rhodes University and come from many different backgrounds and experiences. One way of interacting with others is through various societies. Kirstin belongs to several societies. She also trains at the Rhodes gym as well as plays the “odd social game of hockey from time to time.”
Kirstin values the friendships and the support that she has received from her new friends at Rhodes. Kirstin says “I love my independence here at Rhodes. I enjoy my social life in Grahamstown and I love meeting up with and making new friends. We have so much fun.”
Kristin remembers a hilarious experience during second term. She says “Botha house held a drinking event called ‘Mud Olympics.’ Guys literally dive into a massive hole in the ground full of mud!” She says laughing uncontrollably “It’s so funny; guys literally bolt for people standing and watching.” She says in hysterics “My best friend wearing a white cricket jersey was watching. She ran for her life but she dropped her cell-phone and a guy grabbed her and literally chucked her in!”
19 Year old Kirstin has a confident, happy, positive and relaxed attitude towards life. She is an example to all first year Rhodians because of her ability to maintain this attitude towards her studies and social life. She says “This year has been an amazing experience. I see myself working hard and really enjoying the next two years at Rhodes.”
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