"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
Showing posts with label friends. Show all posts
Showing posts with label friends. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Thursday, October 2, 2008
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.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
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.”
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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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