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.
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The student chosen as the hero for this profile, Caesar, is a sober, level headed and possibly religious (River of life Ministries) person who is spending a second year as a first year at Rhodes. Caesar in his first year had to overcome the all too common occurrence of being distracted by the people and places in Grahamstown, and had to learn to balance work and fun to become a better student, which is the reason for being at Rhodes. The writer, having written this profile does bring to light a very common, but still highly relevant, problem that faces most (if not all) Rhodes (and probably other universities’) students in general.
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