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
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
I liked the profile as a whole but the first sentence of the profile was not so catchy, the descriptions were beautiful and allowed the reader to try and visualise what the interviewee looked like. You should be careful when writing a profile not to add too many quotes because sometimes too many quotes devalue the profile itself and also try to focus on one thing at a time while at the same time not branching out into too many topics. I could relate with almost everything you said in the profile especially the part about res life and the social aspects it creates. The writer chose a first year Drama girl and she has been dubbed as a hero (from Proppian studies) who has had to overcome challenges such as being homesick, trying to make friends and many other events that make your first year a true first year experience.
Post a Comment